Red Lake honors Mennonite Disaster Service volunteers following 2021 storm damage

Sep 26, 20230

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Red Lake Nation's Director of Emergency Services Robert Neadeau, right, presents Glenn Geissinger with a plaque during a celebration to honor Mennonite Disaster Service volunteers on Friday, Sept. 22, 2023, at Oshkiimaajitahdah in Redby. Maggi Fellerman / Bemidji Pioneer

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Oshkiimaajitahdah Executive Director Jerry Loud addresses attendees during a celebration to honor Mennonite Disaster Service volunteers on Friday, Sept. 22, 2023, at Oshkiimaajitahdah in Redby. Maggi Fellerman / Bemidji Pioneer

REDBY - What started as a natural disaster has transformed into an invaluable partnership between Red Lake Nation and the Mennonite Disaster Service, a long-term recovery organization that provides volunteers to repair and rebuild homes throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Around 5 p.m. on Monday, July 26, 2021, a severe storm caused extensive damage to buildings, vehicles and other property in Red Lake and Redby. In total, 78 homes were heavily damaged by the extreme winds and softball-sized hail that ravaged the area that evening.

Having been in his role for a mere three months when the disaster struck, Red Lake Nation's Director of Emergency Services Robert Neadeau was tasked with seeking out funding for repairs.

https://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/local/red-lake-honors-mennonite-disaster-service-volunteers-following-2021-storm-damage