Steve Jobs has expressed his support for Apple employees in Japan. The CEO reportedly sent out a message to Apple's entire staff in regards to the earthquake and tsunamis that hit Japan last week.
"We have been following the unfolding disaster in Japan," said the note, which was posted to Chihouban.com and reported by MacRumors. "Our hearts go out to you and your families, as well as all of your countrymen who have been touched by this tragedy.
"If you need time or resources to visit or care for your families, please see HR and we will help you," Jobs continued. "If you are aware of any supplies that are needed, please also tell HR and we will do what we can to arrange delivery."
Apple has delayed the launch of the iPad 2 in Japan, given the destruction caused by the 8.9-magnitude earthquake and ensuing tsunamis.
"We are delaying the launch of the iPad 2 in Japan while the country and our teams focus on recovering from the recent disaster," Apple spokeswoman Natalie Kerris confirmed. The iPad 2, which went on sale in the U.S. last Friday, was scheduled to launch in Japan on March 25.
Apple has also set up Red Cross donations to the relief effort in Japan via iTunes. In a transaction that works almost identically to a music purchase, users can donate as little as $5 and as much as $200 to the cause. Apple said 100 percent of the funds will go to the Red Cross.
In a recent blog post, Digg co-founder Kevin Rose applauded Apple for its efforts in Japan post-quake. Rose posted e-mails he received from an Apple fanboy and an Apple employee that said Apple kept its flagship Tokyo store open, and allowed residents - iOS and Android users alike - to access the store's public Wi-Fi, watch online news, and contact friends and family via social-networking sites and e-mail. Apple also reportedly allowed stranded employees to sleep at Apple stores.