NST recently traveled to New Orleans with longtime client WD-40 Company to launch the Rebuilding Together Tradesperson of the Year program (presented by WD-40). The six-month initiative is a nationwide search for the 2010 Tradesperson of the Year – an individual who gives back to the community, adds value to his or her skilled trade industry, and reflects the values and essence of Rebuilding Together and the WD-40 brand.
Amid the excitement of launching Tradesperson of the Year, NST and WD-40 Company also spent a memorable and rain-soaked afternoon participating in Rebuilding Together’s “Fifty For Five” rebuild project. The task was a five-day effort by more than 1,000 Rebuilding Together volunteers to rehabilitate 50 homes in the historic Gentilly neighborhood of New Orleans – an area heavily affected by Hurricane Katrina. Since the devastation caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita five years ago, Rebuilding Together has committed to rebuild 1,000 homes throughout the Gulf Coast, and is well on its way to completion. The organization has rehabilitated a total of 700 homes to date.
“The Gulf Coast represents the needs of so many struggling homeowners and families across the country. ‘Fifty For Five’ will bring new attention to the need to help homeowners nationwide and especially in parts of the country where natural disasters and additional devastation has been experienced,” said Gary A. Officer, President and CEO of Rebuilding Together. “Our housing organization has the commitment, capacity and passion to host an extraordinary rebuild event that will raise rebuild project attention to the national level and forever change the lives of homeowners.”
Working with the WD-40 Company team on this inspirational project was both eye opening and emotional. Not only was it shocking to see numerous homes still in post-Katrina disrepair, but equally moving to see so much optimism and gratitude radiate from citizens living in the Gentilly community – truly thankful for each volunteer there to help. “Fifty For Five” was an experience that will not soon be forgotten by those who participated.
Check out the PSA from “Fifty For Five” spokesperson Morgan Freeman.
