How YOU Can Support Families of Workplace Tragedy?
by Lorna Catrambone and Lynn Danbrook
Each year, Threads of Life is grateful to organizations across Canada for hosting events that raise funds for, and awareness of, Threads of Life.
We have received the proceeds from golf tournaments, dress down days, even an event that involved bringing in a dunk tank for a chance to soak the boss in exchange for a donation.
Aside from raising much needed funds for Threads of Life, third-party events also provide the organizers with a great opportunity to align with a charity that reflects their corporate values, engage their employees in a meaningful, team-building activity and have some fun.
Darren Tarrant is the Health and Safety Manager for the Turtleford and District Co-operative. One of the goals for his division and OHS committees was to bring awareness about safety and the consequences of workplace tragedy to the surrounding communities. A BBQ was held in this small (but very supportive) Saskatchewan community this summer and the proceeds were donated to Threads of Life.
“This particular subject of fatalities hits home as I am from the hometown of Cade Sprackman and also my father was killed in a workplace accident in 1989,” Darren says. The $823 donation was made in memory of Cade, who had only been working at a manufacturing plant for three weeks before being fatally injured at the site in 2015.
While golf tournaments are a popular choice as a fundraiser, there are many other creative, engaging and fun ideas that can be easy to organize and extremely rewarding:
- Bowling tournament
- Raffle – 50/50 draw
- Dress down days
- Staff barbecue – potluck lunch
- Silent auction
Companies may also choose to host a workplace Steps for Life walk for their employees. Steps for Life walks take place in more than 25 Canadian cities on the first weekend in May. But if your company doesn’t have a walk close by, organizing your own exclusive walk is an ideal way to demonstrate your commitment to occupational health and safety while supporting Threads of Life. Threads of Life has all the resources you need to host a Steps for Life Walk.
It’s not just companies that hold successful fundraising events. Individuals can easily fundraise simply by doing the things they may already be doing. Planning a garage sale? Donate the proceeds to Threads of Life. Hosting a party? Rather than hostess, birthday, or other gifts, ask your guests to make a donation to Threads of Life. Planning a wedding? Instead of giving your guests wedding favours they may never use, celebrate your special day by making a donation in your guests’ honour.
There are many ways to support Threads of Life besides the ideas discussed here. If you or your company is interested in hosting an event for Threads of Life, the best way to start is to give us a call at 1-888-567-9490. We can support your efforts by providing Threads of Life print materials, arranging for a volunteer to speak at your event, and promoting and recognizing your support in our newsletter, through social media and in our blog.
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