Everyone needs a big hug now and then!
That's the best analogy we can
give with our Fleur de Lis
Comfort Campaign.
We know we can't solve all of
the problems that were brought
on by the storms of 2005. But
we DO know that as individuals, we
have the power to collectively reach
out and provide comfort to individuals
who were effected by the storms and
are still needing our help!
We've chosen the Fleur de Lis Tee as the vehicle in which the fund-raising effort is made possible. The Fleur de Lis Tee is your gift with every donation of $20 or more. When you wear the tee, you can help proclaim your support of our worthy cause. 100% of the profits from this fundraiser will be used in our "COMFORT" campaign. The campaign will deliver gifts of comfort to those who have lost so much.
The "Comfort Campaign", while still in its infacy, continues to gain momentum and focus. There are many retailers in the New Orleans area who are selling the t-shirts, and interest for the product and campaign continue to grow.
Upcoming plans for the campaign include an event in the St. Bernard Parish, where "COMFORT" is the product and message delivered.
"Imagine leaving town packed for a weekend and when you return, your home is 100 percent gone."
100% of net proceeds benefit victims of Hurricane Katrina
The healing is not over! When we created this website, and the "Fleur de Lis Comfort Campaign", the world was familiar with the horrible images of the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina. Individuals from every nation came to offer support to our citizens.
Fast forward to today -- winter 2007 (more than two years after Hurricane Katrina): We want the world to know that there are still SO MANY people who need your support!
Here are just a few headlines that have appeared in recent months concerning stress levels:
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By MARY FOSTER, Associated Press Writer
NEW ORLEANS - The bodies are no longer being dragged from houses and buildings toppled by Hurricane Katrina, but nearly two years later many in the medical community think the storm is still killing.
Storm survivors are dying from the effects of both psychological and physical stress, from the dust and mold still in dwellings to financial problems to fear of crime, health experts and officials say.
"There is no doubt in my mind that Katrina is still killing our residents," Orleans Parish coroner Dr. Frank Minyard said this week.
"People with pre-existing conditions that are made worse by the stress of living here after the storm. Old people who are just giving up. People who are killing themselves because they feel they can't go on," Minyard said.
Some say an in-depth federal analysis is needed, despite a new state report that found no significant increase in deaths in the New Orleans area from January 2006 through June 2006. The state Department of Health and Hospitals is still compiling figures for the last six months of 2006.
More than two years after the storm, it is not Hurricane Katrina itself but the persistent frustrations of the delayed recovery that are exacting a high psychological toll on people who never before had such troubles, psychiatrists and a major study say. A burst of adrenaline and hope propelled many here through the first months but, with so many neighborhoods still semi-deserted, inspiration has ended.
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder 10 Times Higher In New Orleans Than In The General Public
(Science Daily, May 17, 2007)
We are hearing from so many individuals about specific needs they have. For example, a dad told us that instead of buying birthday gifts for his child this year, he had to spend the small amount of money he had on school uniforms. This is is just one example of the hundreds of stories we hear. Log onto our blog -- "WISH LIST" -- and perhaps you can find a family you'd like to "adopt" and help out! There are variety of other ways in which volunteers can help share their time and skills. If you are interested in participating, please contact Susan at: Susan@fleurdelistees.com
