Immediately after Hurricane Katrina dealt a vicious blow to the US Gulf Coast, Bowmanville resident, Peter Bruno decided that it was finally time that he step up to the plate and try to help those in need.  He and his wife Deborah Hope quickly rallied the good will of Durham Region and Ontario residents and set out for the south with a load of donations.  To everyone’s surprise, Pete was the first long haul trucker to arrive at the relief center in Long Beach, Mississippi – just seven days after the storm.

This documentary takes the viewer on Peter’s second trip in October 2005 to Long Beach, Mississippi, one of the worst hit areas of the Gulf Coast.   The visible devastation in this area outstrips most of what you’ve seen on CNN from New Orleans.  Complete towns are left with less than 8% of housing that will be salvageable.

In addition to getting one determined truck driver’s views on life, it’s a story about everyday people trying to make a difference in the aftermath of the humbling force of Hurricane Katrina.

Part one and two of the documentary follows Peter’s story from the collection stage of donations in Ontario, to the six day long haul trip ending at the relief center and into the worst hit areas of Long Beach and Pass Christian, Mississippi. This portion of the documentary includes a very touching guided tour and commentary by a former resident of the area. 

The epilogue, shot in the summer of 2006 brings us up to date on what has happened to Peter Bruno and the situation in Long Beach, Mississippi, one year after being hit by Hurricane Katrina.    Peter planned to go back for a third trip to the Gulf Coast but he suffered two heart attacks and had to undergo surgery.

His return to Camp Coast Care may be on hold, but Peter’s legacy of being the first relief truck into the area following the worst natural disaster in North American history is a motivating force at the camp.  The Director of Camp Coast Care pays tribute to Peter explaining how he set the tone for the mission in Long Beach and has inspired a multitude of other volunteer efforts.  With a combination of scenic shots, victim, and relief worker interviews, the viewer is reminded of the size and scope of the devastation.  The work that is being done there now has shifted focus from ‘supplying goods’ to rebuilding homes and lives.  Post-traumatic stress syndrome has increased for the local victims, but those who have decided to stay show spirituality and resilience.  The volunteer work of Camp Coast Care goes on, as it too will be a “Long Haul” for many with “Big Hearts“.

Long Haul Big Hearts is being produced and directed by Doug Raby of Delta Romeo Productions.  Doug is a freelance DOP/camera operator, and an award-winning Producer/Director of corporate videos.

The documentary also features some great trucking music from JUNO Award-winning band The Road Hammers.

Joanne Jackson is the Executive Producer on the project.  Joanne Jackson of Brilliant Red Media is a Television Producer with seven Gemini nominations and over 1000 hours of Canadian Television production credits.  Broadcasters included CBC, YTV, City-TV, W Network, HGTV.

Long Haul Big Hearts is produced in association with VisionTV.