Taipei: A magnitude 7.1 earthquake that struck Japan's southwestern Kumamoto Prefecture has prompted Taiwan's major convenience store chains and PXPay Plus to launch fundraising drives, while a local charity has already sent emergency relief funds to the disaster area. The quake, which recorded a maximum seismic intensity of 7 in the Uki and Hikawa areas of Kumamoto, caused building collapses, road damage, and power and water outages in parts of the prefecture, forcing many residents to evacuate.
According to Focus Taiwan, Taiwan's major convenience store chains, together with PXPay Plus, have partnered with Taiwan-based Christian social welfare organization, The Mustard Seed Mission, to launch a joint fundraising campaign for emergency relief and post-earthquake reconstruction. The Mustard Seed Mission said it has already provided US$10,000 in emergency assistance and activated the first phase of its disaster response plan through its longtime Japanese partner, AAR Japan.
Initial relief efforts will focus on emergency supplies, mobile food distribution, psychosocial support, assistance for evacuation shelters, and care for vulnerable groups, including children, older adults, and people with disabilities. Convenience store operators 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Hi-Life have announced that donations will be accepted through August 31 via the participating retailers' apps and in-store kiosks.
7-Eleven has enabled donations through its OPENPOINT app and ibon kiosks, while FamilyMart will collect contributions through its membership app and FamiPort kiosks. Funds raised by FamilyMart will be coordinated by the Mustard Seed Mission and channeled through AAR Japan to support the first phase of relief efforts. Hi-Life stated that donations collected through its approximately 1,800 stores nationwide would support emergency rescue operations, temporary shelter, psychological support, and reconstruction.
Meanwhile, PXPay Plus has launched dedicated donation sections on its app and the PX Pay app, allowing users to donate directly through the platforms and use reward points to offset or fully cover their contributions.