KATRINA’S TOLL SPURS MAGLOIRE INTO ACTION
‘ As much as we’re doing, it’s still not enough. They need help’ CALLS FOR DONATIONS
TORONTO •
In some ways, Jamaal Magloire is just like many other people — he has been transfixed these past few weeks by the epic horror wrought in the American south by Hurricane Katrina, and has spent many of his days in the hypnotic thrall of CNN.
But unlike most other people, the Toronto native has a personal stake in the tragedy, since New Orleans, where Magloire plays centre for the Hornets, was the epicentre of the devastation. And unlike almost anybody in Canada, Magloire is uniquely positioned to help. Besides his millions, the former all-star has the ability to ask others to contribute.
“ As much as we’re doing, it’s still not enough,” said Magloire, who is hosting a $300-a-plate fundraising dinner Sept. 29 at Toronto’s York Event Theatre to benefit survivors.
“They need help.”
Magloire, who has been playing in New Orleans for three seasons, says he is shocked by the devastation.
“Many nights, being the big man that I am, I’ve broken down,” Magloire says. “It really hits home. Living down there for three years, every street that passes on TV, I know. Talking to some of my friends that still can’t find their parents, still can’t find their children, that have no money, their accounts are frozen, or they have no car, they have no home — it brings tears to my eyes, because it’s just devastating.”
In addition to the gala — called “ A Night of Compassion” — Magloire has also enlisted the aid of several corporate donors to solicit donations of clothing, non-perishable food items, blankets, or anything of use.
“Sometimes we can’t donate money,” he said. “But that doesn’t mean we can’t help.”
The 27-year-old has yet to return to New Orleans, and so has no idea of the state of what he left there — his home is five minutes from the now-infamous Convention Centre — but does not expect to salvage much, since looting followed Katrina. Besides, he has insurance. With another hurricane looming— Hurricane Rita, which is now expected to become a Category 4 storm today — it seems unlikely that he’ll visit soon.
“I haven’t had a chance to go down there yet,” said the 6-foot- 11 Magloire, who begins training camp with the Hornets in Colorado Springs on Oct. 4. “When [I have] the first opportunity to get down there, I’ll be there.”
Magloire said that since he is friends with New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin, any money raised will go directly to where it is most needed. Magloire is inclined to earmark any proceeds toward young people.
The Hornets will probably play some, if not all, of their home games in Oklahoma City, since nobody knows when New Orleans will become a fully functional city again. But Magloire — who had wanted out of the Hornets organization in the past — says there are bigger problems than the inconvenience of professional athletes.
“It’s so irrelevant,” says Magloire. “It’s not about me … It’s difficult for me, and I play in the NBA. Imagine what it’s like for people who don’t.
Indeed, New Orleans was a city ravaged by poverty before, and that fact was laid bare by the aftermath of the storm.
“It was bad before, but it’s really bad now,” said Magloire.
More information can be found on the Web site of Magloire’s charitable foundation, at www.youthdeserveachancetodream.
National Post
barthur@ nationalpost. com