Choking back tears Tuesday in Toronto, Jamaal Magloire expressed his astonishment towards the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and the slow relief efforts in New Orleans.

For 20 minutes, the New Orleans Hornets All-Star centre spoke passionately in front of local media, announcing plans for a gala dinner and urging everyone else in the city to contribute anyway they can.

“It brings tears into my eyes because this is devastating,” he said afterwards. “Every street that passes on TV, I know.”

Magloire spends his summers in his hometown of Toronto, where he takes part in charity events every chance he gets. He gives speeches, visits schools, and helps out wherever he is needed, and doesn’t feel the need to be recognized for every little thing he does. He usually doesn’t go out of his way to publicize his work, but this time it’s different.

“We need to focus on getting these kids back to their families and getting New Orleans back to the place that it once was.”

The “Night of Compassion,” which is also being organized by his mother Marion who runs the Youth Deserve a Chance to Dream Foundation, will be held Thursday, September 29, at the York Event Theatre.

Magloire also announced a drive to collect household items and clothes. Donations can be dropped off at Premier Fitness locations across the city, and AMJ Campbell Van Lines will drive everything to New Orleans.

The money collected from the $300 tickets to the gala, and anything collected at the fitness locations, will directly benefit the victims of the hurricane.

Magloire will make sure the money and collections are given to the right people, he promised. He wants to be present when the trucks leave Toronto for New Orleans, and when they arrive, as long as his schedule permits.

“I want to get in there and help physically,” he said. “I want my presence felt. I want to go into the communities and see the kids and try to comfort them a little bit.”

He will be leaving the city of Toronto in early October for training camp, which will be held in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

The team’s regular home, the New Orleans Arena, did not suffer severe damage, though the damage to the area around the arena, which is right next to the Superdome, has been well documented. The NBA expects the team to be absent from its home for at least the 2005-2006 season.

Magloire’s home in New Orleans is just a few minutes away from the complexes. He says he has not been able to go back to check on his house, but he expects to find it flooded and looted.

More information can be found at jamaalmagloire.com and youthdeserveachancetodream.com.