Access Storage supports Team Rubicon's grey shirts in their important work
When the time came for Toronto's Drew Robertson to retire from a successful finance career, he felt the need to give back to the community. Service had always been a priority for Drew, which led him to enlist in the Canadian Armed Forces in his younger years. Now in retirement, he yearned for an environment reminiscent of his military days in the 1990s.
However, he was unsure how to find such an environment until one day, he stumbled upon an article in a national newspaper highlighting the work of Team Rubicon in assisting communities during crises. Drew instantly recognized that Team Rubicon, an organization that deploys former military personnel for disaster relief, offered exactly what he was looking for.
"When I left the military, the transition was very challenging," Drew shared. "It became a personal mission that needed to be conquered."
Despite retiring from active service nearly 30 years ago, Drew still faced the difficulties of transitioning into civilian life. "After finishing my civilian career, I still missed the military," he explained. "When I read that newspaper article, it resonated with me. I realized it was a mission I wanted to undertake."
Team Rubicon's dedication to helping former military personnel transition into civilian life or return to service aligns with their central mission. Their remarkable efforts in rebuilding communities affected by disasters, coupled with their commitment to aiding individuals like Drew, inspired Access Storage to enthusiastically partner with them and support their noble work.
We can see Team Rubicon now helping communities recover from the devastating wildfires that have ravaged parts of Canada.
Since joining Team Rubicon just over a year ago, Drew's work has taken him across Canada. He has been involved in clean water projects on Aboriginal land in the Near North, assisted with wildfire clean-up in British Columbia, provided aid in the Maritimes after hurricanes, and aided small towns in Ontario following a tornado.
Drew describes the experience of getting hands-on in disaster-stricken areas as uniquely rewarding. "Team Rubicon gives me an opportunity to serve once again," he expressed. "Not only that, but it enhances my ability to serve in ways I couldn't achieve alone. We all find immense job satisfaction when we work face to face, helping someone on their worst day. It's one thing to observe a flood from above; it's entirely different to stand beside a homeowner, helping them rebuild their life."
Additionally, being part of a Team Rubicon mission offers a personal benefit of connecting with like-minded individuals who share the same values as former military personnel. "Participating in a Team Rubicon mission feels like a homecoming week," Drew remarked. "It's gratifying to engage with people who share the experience of service. We all have a common purpose."
Drew emphasizes that the success of Team Rubicon's work relies on the generosity of Canadians and Canadian companies like Access Storage. "One of the worst situations for us is being on the sidelines during an operation," he acknowledged. "However, we don't always have the financial means. The ability to expand our reach comes from the financial and in-kind contributions we receive from companies like Access Storage."
Drew, we appreciate your service, and we extend our gratitude to Team Rubicon for their dedication to helping communities recover from crises.