Volunteers of Hope
Today marks the third anniversary of Hurricane Katrina’s destruction on the Gulf Coast. August 29th was a turning point; the marker for life before and after for hundreds of thousands of people. The destruction I have seen in my three trips to New Orleans in one year was only paralleled by the incredible amount of hope I’ve witnessed from the volunteers and the local residents whose lives they have changed.
And with that, I would like to introduce the Project: Katrina Hope documentary, entitled Volunteers of Hope: Overcoming Katrina. After hundreds of hours of work and the support of hundreds of people, I am proud to direct you toward the right sidebar of this website, where the DVDs are now on sale in the Project: Katrina Hope store for only $10 plus shipping costs. Every penny of this money is going to volunteer groups just like the ones shown on the documentary who are called to make a difference in the lives of Gulf Coast residents. You can also purchase a Project: Katrina Hope t-shirt, if you haven’t already. For more detailed photos of the products, visit the PKH Gear tab.
Volunteers of Hope: Overcoming Katrina tells the stories of groups from across the country that have traveled to rebuild the area. It shares the emotions of homeowners as they realize that a return to normalcy is imminent. Most importantly, it presents a call to action. The Gulf Coasts needs volunteers–just as much now as it did three years ago. In the United States, there are tributes on TV today recalling the anniversary and preparing for Hurricane Gustav. Know that the rebirth of New Orleans, the rest of Louisiana, and Mississippi is a direct result of volunteer efforts. The documentary will show that more clearly than I can write.
Get your copy today, and support the Gulf Coast’s rebuilding efforts.
With hope,
Gretchen
Posted on August 29th, 2008 by Gretchen Wieland
Filed under: From Gretchen
Congratulations! You did it. One short (or long) year after your trip as a volunteer, then conceiving the idea of the documentary, to following through with fundraising, interviewing, filming, editing, etc., you have achieved your goal. And what great timing–the 3rd anniverrsary. After being inspired, now you are inspiring others to help. I can’t begin to tell you how proud I am of you and what a great job you did on this documetary. You are amazing.
Gretchen,
Congratulations on completing the documentary! What an inspired way to use your interests and talents to continue making a difference to the NOLA community. I will be purchasing my copy today, and can’t wait to receive and watch it!
When we were all there in June last year, gathered as a group after work, cleanup and dinner, reflecting on the day, it was mentioned a few times that we should continue that work when we got back to our regular lives and our communities. While myself, and perhaps others, wish they could say they had followed through on that, you have certainly delivered on it. You’re showing the way of staying with the issue and making a prolonged difference. Thanks for that, on behalf of all who went with you on that 2007 trip! You are an inspiration.
Cheers,
Ben