Pilates Your Body

DROVE MY CHEVY TO THE LEVEE...

Actually, I didn't drive, I flew, but I went to see the Levee that broke during Hurricane Katrina and to offer what help

I returned on September 29th from a three week adventure that left me tired and inspired all at once. I hope to continue my involvement and support of the Katrina Relief efforts. In the mean time, I'm always looking to hear from friends and strangers alike about their inspired ideas for making the world a better place. Please get in touch!

Below is the text from the announcment I sent out just before I left.

MY STORY

Ever since the hurricane and its devastation appeared on my TV screen I have wanted to help. I sent money, and supplies right away but my true desire was to be there, with the people, supporting them in person. I never went because I wasn’t sure how to go about it. I let my uncertainty paralyze me. Two years have now passed and I am finally on my way to New Orleans. It is unfortunate that there is still such a great need for volunteers in the city and surrounding areas, but it is my great honor to be a part of the reconstruction of such an amazing part of our country.

WHO I'LL BE WORKING WITH
I leave on September 9th to meet up with an organization called Common Ground. This non-profit group was founded in direct response to the hurricane. Initially it was a response effort, aiding thousands of ravaged survivors to find food, shelter, clean drinking water and medical attention. They also served to unite volunteer forces coming in from around the world.

After the emergency phase of relief passed they settled in to address the long haul. Currently Common Ground has its hands in all kinds of long-term aid; from providing free medical care, to gutting houses that were overcome with mold, from bio-remediation and wetland restoration projects to providing free legal council to residents battling the bureaucracy surrounding the promised government aid.

 
MY PLAN AND YOUR PART IN IT

My plan is to volunteer for 2 weeks in the city of New Orleans. Many of my friends and family have already supported my efforts by pooling together on my 30th birthday last month. I was going to go already, but thanks to them I will now be able to go for two weeks instead of just one.

This has moved me to continue the efforts to rally support. The money donated already was raised to help get me to New Orleans and to help sustain me while I am there (I promise I won’t spent the money on booze!!).

At the end of my stay any additional funds will be donated directly to Common Ground for their continued work in New Orleans. If instead of contributing to my trip you would like to send your contributions directly to them you may do so by visiting their website: www.commongroundrelief.org , or by mailing a check or money order to:

Community Futures Collective
221 Idora Ave
Vallejo, CA
94591

Maybe you are like me and have wanted to help but didn’t know how. Maybe you are just feeling like doing something nice for someone today.