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Brett Morey's Letter re Katrina
Brian Thiessen, District Governor 5160:
As Greg Robinson mentioned to you on the phone this evening what began as an idea to make a difference is beginning to manifest into something truly amazing. On Thursday afternoon, I contacted the President of the Baker Rotary Club in the Baton Rouge area. Doug Hall informed me of their need for supplies and I told him that he can count on the support of Rotarian's and Bay area residents to answer the call. I called Greg and by 7 AM this morning, we had secured two 53 foot trucks, self storage units and commitments from local individuals and businesses to donate critical need items to the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
Today I sent out press releases to local media including Bay area TV and radio stations and am notifying fellow Rotarian's to assist in the relief effort. Next week our local elementary and high schools will collect items and parents will be notified by school newsletters. The Brentwood Press will feature a double truck ad in the September 9th issue. I also received a $1000 donation from a past client. Please forward this email to the other Rotary clubs as I hope to boost the need for trucks.
The owner of the trucking company in San Diego, was a victim of Hurricane Andrew. He is donating the truck, two trailers, fuel and driver to make this relief effort possible. Our goal is to load the trucks on Sept. 11th and depart Brentwood by the 12th to arrive by the 15th. Trucks will average 500 to 700 miles a day and the route will likely travel from Brentwood through the San Joaquin Valley and East through Phoenix, El Paso and Houston. Of course, this will also depend on the diesel situation in the Gulf region. Wouldn't it be great to have other Rotary Clubs from San Francisco to Houston join the convoy and "lend a hand" to our fellow Americans? If we could raise the money to purchase 100 shelter boxes ($85,000), we can house 1,000 people.
Check out www.shelterbox.org. With one week to go before another September 11th anniversary, there is no better time to demonstrate how Rotariy leads the way in humanitarian service.
God Bless!
Final Thoughts on Katrina and Rita
Watching the tragic events unfold in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, I realized that together we could make a difference. What began as an idea to gather donations and send them to the affected Gulf Region blossomed into something truly amazing and changed the lives of many involved. Together with the help of fellow Rotarian's, local residents and businesses we sent three trucks full of donations to help families who had lost everything in Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi.
The generosity and outpouring of concern was over whelming at times. Children sorted through clothes and taped up boxes, volunteers collected donations from local businesses, while others dropped off donations collected at Oakley, Brentwood and Discovery Bay schools. I met widows, still grieving the loss of their spouse who found peace and comfort in giving their clothes and possessions.
A volunteer told me "being involved in this [relief effort] has restored my faith in God and my fellow man." Churches worked together and various organizations from around the Bay area united toward a common goal. It occurred to me, we were not only helping those directly affected by the Hurricane but in many ways we were rebuilding lives right here in East County. New friendships were made, relationships strengthened and people found a purpose. My friend and pastor Scott Kirk of Creekside Church put it all into perspective, saying, "God has created a ministry here at a self storage facility." He was right, the only question was would I be willing to carry out God's plan?
It took leap of faith to believe that we could make this Humanitarian project succeed. I've been humbled by the love and generosity of others and am so thankful for everyone who volunteered and donated to make this a reality. The prayers and blessings of those involved created an opportunity to find healing in the midst of tragedy and despair.
As the Brentwood Rotary Club and community assists families relocating from the Gulf Region with housing and basic needs the opportunity to serve continues. I have faith that people of East County will respond to the needs by welcoming these families into our schools, churches, community and into our hearts.
God Bless!