Cross-posted from BCLCBlog

It's been only three full business days since the devastation began in Japan. Already, companies have pledged $110 million in cash and in-kind donations. The pace of business assistance to Japan is rapid; the scope, generous. 

The Chamber BCLC's Corporate Aid Tracker for the Japanese earthquake and tsunami holds entries from 83 companies, ranging from some of the largest and most venerable firms on Earth, to relatively new companies, such as NukePills.com. 

The Tracker monitors the business sector at large — U.S.-based companies, multinationals, U.S. Chamber members and non-members alike.

As a comparison, when the earthquake struck Haiti last year, business assistance reached $100 million in about 10 days. Every disaster is different — and every disaster reponse is different.

BCLC's lead disaster-response manager, Gerald McSwiggan, had this to say:

"Like any disaster, damage assessments and information on needs has been sporadic, so we expect corporate contributions to keep climbing as better information becomes available. Already, the corporate response to this tragedy is in the top five of international disaster responses by the business community. Through experience with many disasters over the past ten years, companies understand that many long-term needs will arise over the coming weeks and months."

For a complete look at the state of business assistance to Japan so far, visit BCLC's Japan Earthquake and Tsunami portal. To report your company's contributions for the Corporate Aid Tracker, email us and include: name of company, financial value of total cash + in-kind + employee/customer matches, 100-word or less description of assistance. 

Through our Disaster Help Desk for Business, made possible by the Office Depot Foundation, BCLC will stay connected with NGOs and government officials to continue to help companies be effective and strategic in their corporate engagement now and in the future. Don't hesitate to reach the Help Desk and its operator, Ines Pearce, with questions.