To the Editor:
We have all either noticed, or have even participated in, the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge which lit up social media on fire this summer. Not only is this phenomenon raising money and spreading ALS awareness across the country, it is putting the idea of giving, both monetarily and in terms of time, to worthy causes in the forefront once again, as it always should be. For me, that critical point of realization that we as individuals can and should always do what we can to help those that need us most came this past January when myself along with my daughter, sister, and niece, made a trip to work with the children that Be Like Brit, a nonprofit organization which operates an orphanage in Grand Goâve, Haiti, was established to benefit.
The orphanage was built in loving memory of Britney Gengel, who perished in the 2010 Haiti earthquake while on a service trip through her college. Be Like Brit honors Britney’s memory and legacy of compassion to those less fortunate, and was inspired by a text message she sent to her mother just three hours before the quake claimed her life.
“They love us so much and everyone is so happy. They love what they have and they work so hard to get nowhere, yet they are all so appreciative. I want to move here and start an orphanage myself.”
Having had the privilege of spending time with Britney’s parents, Len and Cherylann Gengel myself, it is truly inspiring to me what they have done in their daughter’s memory, turning their tragedy into something so positive and loving. Their hearts and souls are truly in every wall of this orphanage and everything and everyone within them. I feel truly honored and blessed to have spent this time volunteering for the children from this orphanage, 70 percent of whom lost their parents to the same earthquake that claimed Britney’s life. To me, it is not only a life changing experience to help these children but it also means fulfilling a lifelong dream of working with an orphanage, as my mother was an orphan herself, making the cause truly close to my heart.
For all these reasons, I have decided to return to Haiti Nov. 7-14, and this time I am bringing a group of my good friends. We are going back to spread the love in Haiti that I feel for these children, this amazing organization, orphanage, and the community surrounding it. Being a “Britsionary” to us means continuing the legacy of this truly amazing and compassionate girl!
Please consider making a contribution to help the children of this community who are truly thriving through Be Like Brit. Thank you for your support!
To donate visit https://www.facebook.com/karen.k.scopetski.
Yours truly,
Karen Scopetski
Northborough
