Magnaville (Canadaville) Update: Two Years Post Hurricane Katrina

Location: Simmesport, Louisiana (Avoyelles Parish, on the banks of the Atchafalaya River)

Background:

In late August 2005 Hurricane Katrina became the worst natural disaster in US history. Over 750,000 people were displaced; the majority of them lost their homes and most of their possessions. A large majority of the hardest hit victims were the very poor and seniors.

After the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, Magna and MEC, with the assistance of the American Red Cross and FEMA, developed a rescue plan which included moving hundreds of evacuees by bus and plane to a temporary location in West Palm Beach, Florida pending establishment of a new community in Louisiana.

In mid September 2005 MID purchased property in Avoyelles Parish near Simmesport Louisiana. From September to December Magna worked with local construction and trades people and with volunteer carpenters from The United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America to build a community for Hurricane Katrina evacuees, named Magnaville (Canadaville), situated on the property that had been donated by MID.

Magnaville (Canadaville) is situated on a parcel of land capable of supporting a variety of agricultural and aquaculture ventures, including organic farming, raising livestock (cattle, poultry and catfish), and growing fruits and vegetables for the community and local markets. Residents of Magnaville (Canadaville) will have an opportunity to participate in these farming activities or to develop other employable skills, with the objective that they become self-sustaining over time.

In addition to Magna, MEC and MID, a number of other American and Canadian corporations and organizations, including The American Red Cross, The Canadian Red Cross, Louisiana State University, Southern University, Dickinson Wright PLLC, NORR Limited, Giffels Associates Ltd., Con Drain Partners Inc., Sharp Electronic Corporation, IBM, Indigo Books and Music, Air Canada, US Airways, the Canadian Auto Workers, the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, CLECO and others have contributed to various aspects of building this new community.