Paul Leslie (a.k.a. Paul Lifestyles), host and producer of TAIT (Time After Island Time Radio), has decided to help New Orleans recovery efforts by strapping on his walking shoes. The Georgia native will be walking (yes, walking) about 300 miles starting from Panama City Florida to the Crescent City to raise awareness of ongoing recovery efforts, particularly for the Lower Ninth Ward. He’ll be starting from the Margaritaville Cafe on February 1st, walking via various scenic highways along the coast. The Holiday Inn and the Marriott Hotel have pledged to offer places for him to stay the nights of his journey, and he plans to average about 25 miles per day.

Leslie says, “This journey started with absolutely no charitable mission. I wanted to explore a part of America on foot. [I chose] New Orleans as the destination after having interviewed Fats Domino on TAIT radio. As it turns out, Mr. Domino is from the Ninth Ward. I wanted to find a way to help people and get a good message out there.” The expressed goal of the walk, besides adventure, is to bring at least 150 families back to the Ninth Ward. 2010 is the 50th anniversary of the Fats song, “Walking to New Orleans,” which Leslie helped draw inspiration from for his walk.

“I discovered Louisiana through its music,” Leslie says, citing Clarence “Frogman” Henry, Irma Thomas, Bob Vernon and of course, the venerable Fats Domino as some of his favorite musicians. “The first time I went to New Orleans I was traveling with the band A1A,” he says. “I fell in love with the people, the music—even street musicians, and the great food. I have a pretty impressive collection of New Orleans and Louisiana music and enjoy reading about the incredible history of the city. There is a mystique and magic in New Orleans that can only be described by experiencing it and being there.”

Leslie plans on keeping himself entertained on his trek by listening to music and podcasts on his iPod, taking lots of photos and enjoying the Gulf Coast scenery. He plans on arriving in the thick of Mardi Gras, which he has never before experienced. “I have never eaten King Cake,” he says, “and I think I will have gotten enough exercise to have a generous helping of some.”

You can donate money to the Make It Right foundation via Leslie’s website, nolawalk.com. Every cent goes directly to the foundation, not to support the walk itself. Or you can send a check or money order to:

Paul Leslie, Walking to New Orleans
P.O. Box 86
Oakwood, GA 30566