Those Who Live and Work at Brooksby Donate Time and Money

By Robert Doherty
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, the people who live and work at Brooksby donated over $40,000 of their hard earned money. The amount, coupled with Erickson’s matching contribution, was significant in helping provide relief to the storm-ravaged south.

But the generous behavior didn’t stop there. Deb Gilbert, who works in the Resident Life Department at Brooksby, contributed the best way she knew how.

Typhoon in the Philippines

Gilbert, who lives in Gloucester, had been in Vietnam during the war; was in a typhoon in the Philippines and one in Guam; and had been on a burning, sinking ship off the coast of Cuba. So when Brooksby sent out a bulletin to all employees asking if anyone would like to volunteer to help the hurricane disaster relief, she immediately jumped on the offer.

“This was a very generous offer and typical of the strength-based spirit of Erickson, which encourages volunteerism,” says Gilbert. “After training with the Red Cross for Disaster Relief and Family Services, they told me to be ready to be deployed within a 24-to 48-hour period.”

The Phone Rings

Gilbert finally got the call that she would be deployed to Florida for the Hurricane Wilma victims. Another person from Massachusetts was also deployed, so they flew down together. Neither had any idea what was before them, but they were both fully prepared.

“The conditions were appalling,” says Gilbert. “I have been all over the world and have seen poverty in Brazil and India, but had never really dealt with poverty in our own country.”

“We were very proud of what we accomplished,” she adds. “We felt so fortunate in our lives, and I believe that those who are fortunate have an obligation to help those who are not.