By Kennedi Johnson
In August, southern Louisiana suffered continuous rainfall that resulted in historic, disastrous flooding that submerged thousands of homes and businesses. The flooding was so drastic that it has been declared the largest natural disaster in the United States since Hurricane Sandy of 2012.
The flood’s impact was far reaching with 20 of Louisiana’s parishes receiving more than 7 trillion gallons of rainwater in just two days. “Thousands of people in Louisiana have lost everything they own and need our help now,” Brad Kieserman, Red Cross’ vice president of disaster services operations, told CNN. In order to help those in need, the non-profit organization Music for Relief is teaming up with various artists and other activists to launch the #LousianaStrong campaign.
Linkin Park
Music for Relief was founded by the band Linkin Park and is dedicated to preserving the environment and helping those affected by natural disasters. Music for Relief saw the need caused by the massive flooding and began the #LouisianaStrong campaign, which aims to raise awareness about the severity of the situation in Louisiana and raise money for the victims of the natural disaster, and partnered with Propeller, an online community that encourages its members to engage in socially conscious actions to better society.
Those who support and engage in socially meaningful causes are rewarded through a point-based system. The more you support causes, the more points you earn; the more points you earn, the more stuff you get. By donating to Music for Relief’s disaster relief fund, you can earn tickets to live performances by Paul McCartney, the Rolling Stones, Roger Waters and more at the Desert Trip Music Festival, or attend a live recording of Saturday Night Live in October. You could also win a VIP experience with Blink-182 in Irvine, California or with the Chainsmokers at the Voodoo Festival in New Orleans.
What’s more, anyone who donates will receive an 18-track compilation dedicated to the #LouisianaStrong campaign, including tracks by artists including Gramatik, The Glitch Mob’s Boreta, Shana Halligan, and the Voice finalist Whitney Myer.
To learn more about Music for Relief, click here. To participate in the #LouisianaStrong campaign, win rewards and donate to the victims of the Louisiana flood, click here.