Northern Minnesotans are seeking ways to help Hurricane Katrina victims

By Molly Miron Pioneer Editor

Aghast at the magnitude of the disaster in states along the Gulf of Mexico, area churches, businesses, service clubs and individuals have rallied to help victims of Hurricane Katrina.

The Red Lake Band of Chippewa made an emergency resolution on Friday to donate $10,000 to the local North Star Chapter of the American Red Cross and to put collection receptacles in each of the Band’s casinos and other businesses.

The resolution notes that the Red Cross helped coordinate responses for the Red Lake Nation following the March 21 school shootings. Besides the monetary donation, the resolution states that “the thoughts and prayers of the Red Lake Nation are with the individuals and families whose lives have been immeasurably affected by this terrible tragedy.”

“We were the recipients and we’d like to give something back,” said Red Lake Secretary Judy Roy. “I wish it were more.”

Red Lake Chairman Floyd Jourdain Jr., who delivered the check to the Bemidji Red Cross office, said people from all over helped his nation during the March tragedy and he and the other Red Lake members can relate to the hurricane victims’ plight.

Chester Berg, owner of Chester Berg Toyota, said the Toyota Motor Co. has donated $2 million to the relief efforts and his employees are sending $2,500 to the American Red Cross and $2,500 to the Salvation Army to help provide food, water, shelter, counseling and other essentials to hurricane victims in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida.

“The true extent of this disaster is only now beginning to unfold and will likely be with us for years to come,” Berg said. “Please give generously to the charity of your choice.”

Michael Meuers remembered suddenly that Bemidji and New Orleans became sister cities in 1985. He has called a brainstorming meeting for 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday at City Hall Council Chambers. He suggests reviving the Mardi Gras Bemidji used to celebrate as a fundraiser.

“I heard from the editor of the Park Rapids Enterprise,” Meuers said in an e-mail. “She is hoping it will be a regional event. I say the more the merrier. Let’s get all of Minnesota, all the cities on the river clean down to New Orleans. Let it go east and west. Bemidji just has this special hook of being a sister city. Let’s promote everything that will go on within a hundred miles.”

First National Bank Bemidji has set up an account for donations. The Victims of Katrina account is ready to take deposits.

Jean Brown of Bemidji has a connection in Lake Charles, La., who told her the parks are full of hurricane refugees. Adults have adequate clothing, but infants and children are in desperate need of suitable clothing. Brown is organizing a children’s clothing drive. The items will be delivered through the park department.

Anyone wishing to donate can drop off clothing at 1023 Minnesota Ave. N.W. For details, call (218) 209-1117.

The desire to help the hurricane victims is widespread and strong. Meuers said it will undoubtedly take on a life of its own.