Duhamel helps flood victims

9/3/2011
BLADE NEWS SERVICES
Actor Josh Duhamel is returning to his hometown of Minot, N.D., over the Labor Day weekend to raise awareness and money for victims of a devastating flood that swamped the North Dakota city this summer.
Actor Josh Duhamel is returning to his hometown of Minot, N.D., over the Labor Day weekend to raise awareness and money for victims of a devastating flood that swamped the North Dakota city this summer.

Actor Josh Duhamel is returning to his hometown of Minot, N.D., during the Labor Day weekend to raise awareness and money for victims of a devastating flood that swamped the city this summer.

“I have pride in where I’m from and just want to help the best way I could,” Duhamel said. “People [in Minot] are as strong as they come. I’m not really worried about the will or spirit of the people.”

Minot is recovering from record Souris River flooding this summer that temporarily forced about 11,000 people from their homes and damaged about 4,100 houses and hundreds of businesses.

Duhamel, 38, was slated to visit flood victims and a Red Cross shelter on Friday and attend a benefit concert Saturday at the State Fairgrounds that will feature the Black Eyed Peas. Duhamel is married to Fergie, a singer in the band.

Minneapolis-based rockers Charlz Newman also are slated to perform at the Minot Rising concert on Saturday. Two of the tree members of Charlz Newman are Minot natives.

Duhamel is the honorary chairman of the Minot Area Community Foundation Recovery Fund, set up to help Minot and the surrounding area in the long-term recovery. The fund has raised more than $3 million.

“It’s unbelievable how much devastation a flood like this does,” he said.