Absolut Spirits Co. has found the right mix to help rebuild New Orleans.
On Wednesday, the company introduced a limited edition product, Absolut New Orleans, which is expected to raise nearly $2 million for hurricane relief, the Associated Press reported.
This gesture by Absolut is a nice outreach to the victims of Hurricane Katrina. And not only will the proceeds of each $19 bottle go to Gulf Coast charities, but Absolut New Orleans patrons will no doubt enjoy indulging in their drinks for a worthy cause.
Abita Brewing Company, which is located in nearby Abita Springs, spearheaded a similar campaign in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.
The company introduced a new line of beer – called Fleur-de-lis Restoration Ale – once its brewery reopened after the storm. Abita pledged to donate $1 to the Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation for every six-pack of Restoration Ale sold.
The continued financial assistance from different entities around the country shows people still care about New Orleans almost two years after Katrina.
The New York Times also recently offered its own version of support, though it did not involve alcohol.
The Times published an editorial Wednesday, saying the Crescent City should host one of the final presidential debates for the upcoming election. The editorial said the city’s struggles represent some of the most basic issues plaguing the country – “housing, health, education, economic opportunity and disaster response,” making the city the perfect candidate to play host.
Even though it seems the federal government has slowly abandoned New Orleans’ recovery, the support from around the United States continues to instill confidence in Gulf Coast residents that life will one day return to normalcy.
Until then, we applaud the efforts of companies like Absolut for extending a helping hand to Louisiana. The vodka line is sure to be a hit around the country, and it is great to see the money will go to a worthwhile cause.
We’ll drink to that.
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