Volunteer New Orleans

Businesses are asked to give employees a paid day off to volunteer in rebuilding the New Orleans area. Volunteer New Orleans will launch at 10 a.m. Wednesday in City Park. If there is inclement weather, the event will take place at the casino building.

The program aims to create a coalition of businesses committed to help rebuild the region after the 2005 hurricanes.

The first volunteer project will kickoff the same day at City Park's Marconi Meadows with a group of volunteers.

Cox Communications developed the idea. In October, Cox allowed every employee a paid day off work if they agreed to volunteer to rebuild the region. Cox spokesman Brad Grundmeyer then expanded the project to include businesses throughout the area.

Attendees expected at the event Wednesday include New Orleans City Councilman Arnie Fielkow; representatives from the Jefferson, Orleans, St. Bernard and river parishes chambers of commerce; representatives from Habitat for Humanity; City Park officials; representatives with Volunteers of America; and officials with Up With People youth exchange program.