Honoring Workers
Susanne Norgard, Executive Director, writes in the Ukiah Daily Journal about people and organizations improving lives in our community.
There are events that can, in a split second, change our lives. That is what happened to Carrie Brigham’s father. In 1991 one of the employees of his logging company was killed as the result of an accident in the woods. Carrie recalls, “I still remember what that did emotionally to my father and mother and the entire crew. My dad took pride in his flawless safety record. It was his #1 concern. The accident was totally out of his control, but it changed him.”
The accident changed Carrie too, making her more aware of how work related accidents can have a ripple effect on an entire community of people. That is why she became involved with the Worker’s Memorial Committee six years ago. The committee advises the “Workers Memorial Fund” at the Community Foundation and also helps to put on the Workers Memorial Day ceremony which takes place each April.
The “Workers Memorial Fund” at the Community Foundation provides a modest cash gift to the families of workers who have been killed on the job. As the Committee states, “The spirit in which this fund was created is one of compassion. We hope to provide a moment of comfort and relief during a time of unimaginable grief.”
Susanne Norgard, Executive Director, writes in the Ukiah Daily Journal about people and organizations improving lives in our community.
The accident changed Carrie too, making her more aware of how work related accidents can have a ripple effect on an entire community of people. That is why she became involved with the Worker’s Memorial Committee six years ago. The committee advises the “Workers Memorial Fund” at the Community Foundation and also helps to put on the Workers Memorial Day ceremony which takes place each April. The “Workers Memorial Fund” at the Community Foundation provides a modest cash gift to the families of workers who have been killed on the job. As the Committee states, “The spirit in which this fund was created is one of compassion. We hope to provide a moment of comfort and relief during a time of unimaginable grief.” Carrie notes that this year the committee has fine tuned its guidelines to include Mendocino residents who are killed in the course of military service. She says, “It is one of the most difficult jobs in the world. People leave home think that some day they will return to their families. It is the ultimate sacrifice.” Another role of the Workers Memorial Committee, Carrie points out, is to educate the community about work place safety, a subject about which she is passionate. “If I can help build safety awareness that saves one life, it makes all of this worthwhile.” In the course of their public awareness efforts, they also chose a profession to honor each year. This year it is solid waste truck drivers, which was Carrie’s choice. “I love my garbage truck driver,” she says. “I am so grateful for people who work hard, often at dangerous jobs, to make our lives so much better.” The local ceremony honoring Workers Memorial Day will be held on April 28, 2010 at 5:30 p.m. at Alex Thomas Plaza in Ukiah. “It is a simple and short ceremony,” Carrie told me. “It usually includes singing, the lighting of candles, a reading of names, and refreshments. I hope many people, even if they don’t have a personal experience with work place tragedy, will join us.” The Community Foundation establishes philanthropic funds for people who want to give back in ways that matter to them. The Workers Memorial Fund receives contributions from individuals, unions, and businesses in the community who want to show their sense of compassion and caring. If you would like to find out more, visit our website www.communityfound.org.There are events that can, in a split second, change our lives. That is what happened to Carrie Brigham’s father. In 1991 one of the employees of his logging company was killed as the result of an accident in the woods. Carrie recalls, “I still remember what that did emotionally to my father and mother and the entire crew. My dad took pride in his flawless safety record. It was his #1 concern. The accident was totally out of his control, but it changed him.”
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