What do shopping, walking dogs, and washing sweet potatoes have in common?
They are all ways that AVMA conventioneers can help New Orleans recover from Hurricane Katrina. Visitors infuse the city's struggling economy with dollars while sending a resounding message of support.
"One of the simplest ways to help in recovery—whether you're in New Orleans for meeting or leisure—is to spend money," said Mary Beth Romig, director of communications and public relations for the New Orleans Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau. "The economic impact has certainly been in the billions. A third of the tax dollars that support our [emergency medical services] and police and fire are from hospitality."
Added to that, the American Veterinary Medical Foundation joined the ranks of organizations that have arranged post-Katrina Our Oath in Action voluntourism activities when, on Thursday and Friday, it sponsored a rehab project for conventioneers at four animal shelters (see page 1). In the weeks leading up to the AVMA Annual Convention, the Foundation collected supplies on the shelters' wish lists and coordinated an AVMA staff blanket drive for the animals.
"The difference all these visitors have made in our recovery with acts of voluntourism is just remarkable," Romig said. "We are grateful to the American Veterinary Medical Association for continuing to have faith in us as a destination. What you are bringing to the table is your passion and expertise with animals and lending that to volunteer service. When you take passion and are able to craft a project that is special, it's a beautiful thing and gives the work the attention it needs."
Another way to contribute to this outreach is by donating to help defray the costs incurred in repairing and upgrading the shelters. Go to www.avmf.org and click on the Our Oath in Action/Shelter Rehab Project 2008 icon.
In addition to the AVMF project, the four shelters would be delighted with any help conventioneers could offer between AVMA convention sessions. Free microchipping all weekend at Plaquemines Animal Welfare Society promises to bring a flurry of activity, so Sherri VanHoosier welcomes help directing visitors and grooming and playing with animals. Call (504) 392-1601 or simply stop by to help.
At St. Charles Parish Animal Shelter, Angie Robert invites conventioneers to call her on Monday morning at (985) 783-5010 if interested in helping to walk and bathe dogs and nurse kittens.
St. John the Baptist Parish Animal Shelter needs help Saturday, Monday, and Tuesday bathing, feeding, and exercising dogs. Call Linda Allen at (504) 329-1863.
Jackie Booker said Jefferson Parish West Bank Animal Shelter welcomes help Monday and Tuesday with the animals and possibly with painting. Call Norma Uluduz at (504) 736-6111.
Visit www.volunteerlouisiana.gov. gov to identify other volunteer opportunities. Here are a few suggested by Kristin Friedery of Volunteers of America—Greater New Orleans.
Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana provides donated food to the hungry of south Louisiana through 200 member agencies. Call Devoney Muse on Monday at (504) 729-2836 to arrange to help on Tuesday with sorting and packing food donated by grocery stores and washing locally grown sweet potatoes. Shifts are from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The food bank is in Harahan in Jefferson Parish, about 15 minutes from downtown.
Friedery said, "Everything happening in New Orleans is to rebuild the city. The food bank existed before the storm, but they lost their local volunteer base, so at times they rely on volunteers."
Green Light New Orleans sends volunteers to install compact fluorescent light bulbs to reduce residential energy use and provide information about recycling. Call Lauren Tucker at (504) 324-2429 a day in advance to help on Monday or Tuesday. Volunteers can come for an hour to visit one home or a full day to reach six or seven. Those without a car are paired with a team that has one. "There was a huge environmental component of Katrina. We're encouraged to rebuild in a more green way," Tucker said.
Beacon of Hope landscapes and beautifies neighborhoods in areas badly flooded by Katrina when levees failed. Call Heather Huth on Monday at (504) 322-2514 if interested in helping with yard cleanups on Tuesday from 8:00 a.m. to noon or 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Transportation is needed.
