The funds will help the International Rescue Committee’s (IRC) efforts to bolster the capacity of immediate response groups.

“What has happened to Japan is unimaginable,” HFPA president Philip Berk said. “We hope that our contribution will help all those affected and our hearts go out to them during this difficult time.”

A press release issued by the HFPA last night [17] read: “The HFPA has had a longstanding relationship and has offered support to the IRC for numerous years. In previous events, the HFPA donated funds in 2002 and 2003 benefitting FilmAid, and in 2006 donated to the Darfur project, which the IRC coordinated with George Clooney.”

The release added that over the past 11 years the HFPA has donated more than $1m.