Ducks And Beavers Lend A Hand In New Orleans

By Andrew Theen | Aug. 29, 2007 11:35 a.m. | Updated: June 17, 2010 12:05 a.m. | Portland, OR

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Two years have passed since Hurricane Katrina ravaged the Gulf Coast. More visible entities like Mercy Corps provided relief for storm victims. As Andrew Theen reports, many young people have taken up the cause for New Orleans as well.
Robert Fogarty graduated from the University of Oregon a little over a year ago. He headed east and found himself in New York, but after Katrina, he felt called to New Orleans.
Fogarty works there with Americorps and he says it has been the greatest experience of his life. He's part of what he calls a cadre of "social entrepreneurs" who want to see New Orleans reborn. 
Fogarty says in his six months in New Orleans, he's seen a steady flow of people returning. He says the character of the returnees surprised him.
Robert Fogarty: "The people that are here wouldn't give up this place up for the world. Yeah it's tough, but they love being down here, and there's no one down here who doesn't think that this city is going to come back in a better way." 
 
Fogarty says he's met a couple fellow Ducks volunteering in New Orleans. 
Officials with Oregon State say "literally dozens" of students have given up their spring breaks the past two years to help with Katrina relief.

© 2007 OPB

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