Tragedy, sometimes, can have a very short memory. No matter how horrific the occurrence, it always seems to fade from memory after awhile. More than two years ago, the gulf region of the country was devastated by the effects of Hurricane Katrina, but as t
Not for everyone, though. For some, the effects of Katrina will remain forever imbedded in their minds. Among those who continue to work hard to rebuild from the devastating destruction of the hurricane is Bulls guard Chris Duhon. A native of Slidell, La., just east of New Orleans, the memory of Katrina is still vivid. “That was something I will never forget,” Duhon said.
“To see your neighbors, your friends, your family affected by [the hurricane] is something that doesn’t go away overnight.” During NBA All-Star weekend in New Orleans, Duhon was honored by the NBA Players Association for his efforts in helping to rebuild the area. He also received an award from the NBA Wives Association.
“Getting the awards is something I’m very proud of,” Duhon said. “Getting recognized is great, but it’s really not what it’s all about. It’s about helping others in need. “As an NBA player, I’ve been blessed. However, a blessing is really nothing unless it’s shared with others,” he added. During the season, Duhon is part of several community events in the New Orleans area that serve children and assist the victims of Katrina.
In November, he announced that he was making a personal donation of $100,000 to construct basketball courts throughput the area. Through his Stand Tall Foundation, he has helped raise more than $450,000 for the victims of Katrina.
“There are people still suffering from the hurricane,” Duhon said. “Slowly, but surely things are coming back, but there is still a lot of work still that needs to be done.” Benevolence resounds on the Bulls team.
Duhon’s teammate, forward Luol Deng, pledged to donate $50 for each basket he scores to the United Nation’s High Commissioner for Refugees to allow displaced refugee children in his homeland of the Sudan to receive an education.
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NEW ORLEANSûNike Inc. has announced plans to formally dedicate five basketball courts it used recycled shoes to help build in this hurricanescarred city, with pro basketball stars LeBron James and Lisa Leslie expected to coach games between high school players at one of the centers.
The company also is expected to announce plans for a so-called ”community store” in Mid City, meant, in part, to provide work experience to young people and to act as a hub in that neighborhood rebounding after Hurricane Katrina. The store would open in April and be the third of its type for Nike, according to Sandy Pressley, general manager of Nike’s Southern region. It would come with a $50,000 annual grant that nonprofits can apply for, she said.
Both announcements coincided with NBA All- Star weekend. Since Katrina, Nike says it’s donated more than $7 million in cash and product to New Orleans. The company has focused on youth and helping give them healthy alternatives to occupy their time.
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