…We can’t let all their good work be forgotten with neglect or compromised safety.
Dear Friend of the Marist Brothers,
I have been discouraged lately as I think of one of our Brothers, Br. Jeffrey. He lives in our largest retirement facility, which is in desperate need of having its lighting upgraded.
Br. Jeffrey has been a Marist Brother for more than 70 years, traveling around the country and around the world on a lifelong mission of Catholic education. In the spirit of the Apostles, he set aside concerns for his own comfort, and even safety, to bring knowledge, along with Catholic faith and moral teaching, to some very poor and remote locations.
Now Br. Jeffrey suffers from age-related vision problems to the point he is considered legally blind. Sub-standard lighting makes it dangerous for him to get around the building, to attend meals or chapel or even to visit with the other Brothers. He has always been active and self-sufficient, and I fear that he might seriously injure himself in a fall. This need is critical. The lighting needs to be fixed before Br. Jeffrey or one of the other Brothers suffers a fall or other preventable, dangerous accident.
I am really concerned about our elderly and disabled Brothers, and I know you are too. I am never complacent about their care and safety. They have spent their lives sacrificing and laboring to do God’s work and care for His people. I know you agree with me that we can’t let all their good work be forgotten with neglect or compromised safety.
Like many other things in that building, the lighting was designed over 80 years ago for the needs of younger residents. It has become old, outdated and unsafe for the elderly and disabled Brothers who now live there.
The building consists of four stories, and Brothers must pass up and down staircases and down corridors that are too dimly lit to be safe. Often they must feel around in the dark to find the light switches. In addition, the lighting outside the building is not adequate for safety or security.
I need to install new, up-to-date lighting right away. The safety improvements are needed throughout the approximately 24,000 square feet of the building and the surrounding grounds. The cost estimate is $22,584.
Outdoor Spotlights
That’s a lot of money, and I will need the help of friends like you in order to raise it. The benefits of these updates will be significant and long-lasting:
- The lighting, both inside and outside the building, will finally be strong enough for our Brothers with vision and mobility problems, and strong enough to provide effective security for the premises.
Automatic Light Switch
- The lighting will be automatic, and will actually go on by itself when a Brother is in the area, then turn off again when no one is there. Brothers will no longer have to risk injury by searching for light switches in the dark.
- The new lighting uses LED lights, which can last for many years without burning out or needing to be replaced. They also use much less energy than standard light bulbs, and they are cold-burning, which reduces the risk of fires.
- All of this means more reliable lighting, greater safety and lower energy bills.
- The Brothers will finally be able to move about their home with peace of mind, rather than being constantly in fear of falls or injuries.
Your gift today will provide bright lighting that is extremely important and needed for our Brothers. These improvements will help provide safety and comfort for years to come. Without adequate lighting, the risk of a dangerous fall is much greater.
All of the Marist Brothers remember you, our generous benefactors, every day in our Masses and prayers. Those prayers come with an extra note of gratitude in the case of our elderly and disabled Brothers, who benefit so much from your kindness. Please write your special intentions on
the enclosed reply slip when you make your offering. Thank you for your prayers, your concern, and your generosity. You make the world a better place for some of God’s most dedicated and devoted servants.
Sincerely and gratefully yours,
Br. Hugh P. Turley, F.M.S.
Director of Development
P.S. The two nickels I’ve enclosed would once have been a significant amount of money, believe it or not, back when the world was a simpler place. Today, however, they are just a beginning I hope you can add to that beginning and make a generous offering for the sake of our elderly and disabled Brothers. Your prayerful concern is a blessing which is deeply appreciated.
