Like millions around the world, I watch with absolute horror at what has happened to our neighbors in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. This catastrophe has been predicted for many years, but reality has proven harsher than perhaps anyone would've expected. I can only pray and hope with the rest of you that the rescuers can help the remaining stranded residents and carry them all to safety.
I have been in awe at the kindness around this country. As part of nationwide Realtor list serve called Realtalk, I have witnessed Realtors from around this country come together to help. Starting blogs to aid contact and housing, offers of jobs to displaced fellow Realtors and donations to the varying aid organizations.
For one, our own National Association of Realtors has set up a fund, and NAR has pledged to pay 100% of all administrative costs so all money will go direct to those organizations that need it. NAR has also donated more than 1.1 million and fellow Realtors have matched that to raise over 2.1 million dollars as of 9/5. Keep it coming! You too can help by donating to the Realtors Relief Fund http://www.realtor.org/relief.
Of course, the American Red Cross is one of the top aid agencies in this world. Giving to them will ensure too, your donation gets to the right place. http://www.redcross.org
I was also heartbroken watching and hearing of the animals left behind in the wake of Katrina. Separated from their families during evacuations or during the storm itself. There are now people refusing to leave for fear of leaving their animals behind.
If you wish to donate to aid the animals of Katrina, think of the following organizations:
Locally, Tony La Russa's Animal Rescue foundation has risen to the challenge of aiding the animals. www.arf.net/about_arf/2006_calendar.html 100% of donations raised from ARF’s 2006 Celebrity Pet Calendar will be donated to help save the abandoned and injured dogs and cats left orphaned as a result of Hurricane Katrina in the flood ravaged southern United States.
In addition, Noah's Wish has now rescued over 400 animals in one town alone! Help them in their efforts to reunite animals with their owners. They are rescuing and helping to find shelter and temporary homes for the homeless animals left in Katrina's wake. http://www.noahswish.org
Obviously, to watch from afar is frustrating.. but what we can do is to donate what we can so that the organizations on the ground can do what is needed. I have donated and will continue to do so out of each escrow. The worst is just ahead as thousands of families try to rebuild their lives, many from scratch.
Catherine Myers, REALTOR
Alain Pinel Realtors
residential Real Estate professional serving Walnut Creek, Danville, Alamo, Pleasant Hill, Concord, Clayton
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