The world watched in shock as an earthquake measuring a magnitude of 8.9 on the Richter scale rocked Japan on March 11. Then, a tsunami hit, leaving 12,600 people dead and 14,700 missing as of April 7.

While aid organizations worldwide continue to call for donations for victims of the disaster, members of St. Edward’s University student groups the Asian American Association (or A3, as they are often called) and Asian Pop are collaborating on a fund-raising event of their own.

The students have titled the event “1000 Wishes for Japan,” during which they are selling three-inch pins for $2 apiece that read “United for Japan.”

Additionally, they will be auctioning off an origami swan sculpture created by Christophe Chahine.

According to Asian Pop president Roxy Mendoza, inspiration for the event came from Sadako Sasaki, a young girl who died of leukemia following exposure to radiation from the atomic bomb dropped on the city of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945.

The story of Sadako’s death is tied to an ancient Japanese legend, which states that anyone who folds 1,000 paper cranes will be granted their heart’s desire.

As she was dying, Sadako decided to fold 1,000 cranes with the wish that it would end her suffering and that of others. Because of this, the origami crane has become a symbol of peace.

“Along with our fund-raising, we will be making 1,000 cranes and are hoping to exhibit them somewhere on campus,” Mendoza said.

Students are invited to create their own paper cranes and add them to the collection.

So far, 1000 Wishes for Japan has raised over $200, which does not include funds that the group is expecting to receive from private donors.

1000 Wishes for Japan is scheduled to continue until April 14.

“The disaster in Japan makes me realize how devastating earthquakes and tsunamis can be,” Mendoza said. “It makes me sad to see these tragic events go on in places all over the world.”