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Behind the scenes: Earning the Imagine Canada Trustmark
Have you seen this logo on our web site and printed materials? It comes from an organization called Imagine Canada, and it certifies that Threads of Life is accredited under the Imagine Canada Standards Program.
Volunteer Profile: Jennifer Ruszkowski
Helping to run a complex event like Steps for Life – Walking for Families of Workplace Tragedy can be pretty absorbing. The day of the walk brings a million details to oversee. But for long-time Saskatoon Steps for Life volunteer Jennifer Ruszkowski, taking a moment to talk to the families participating makes it all more meaningful.
The Healing Path
So, I’m sure we can all agree that grief doesn’t magically disappear. We are often reminded of the pain of loss. Even years after my brother’s sudden death, I still feel the ripples of what was a stinging loss.
You-shaped self-care
Over the past few years, as self-care has risen in popularity, it has also risen in complexity. With products, classes, activities, and recommendations coming from every direction, it can feel really challenging to weed through everything and see what’s right for you. It can feel hard to even know what self-care is.
Raising the flag through community support
The Timmins Steps for Life committee marches to the beat of its own drum at most times. We have a strong committee, and a vibrant community who know and understand the importance of what happens with the walk and our other prevention-minded endeavors.
The Italian Fallen Workers Memorial — A History Uncovered
The Italian Fallen Workers’ Memorial Wall Project started with one man’s dream; a man who had seen more than his share of fallen workers during his tenure as labour leader during the late 1950s and early 1960s in Toronto’s busy residential construction industry.
Never Given the Chance to Miss Him
When I was four years old, my father died while at his workplace. He was a field engineer on a construction site.
Turning “What If” into “What Would”
My story begins on July 13, 2009 with my mom picking me up from summer camp that afternoon. Just like any other day we were picked up, my brother and I would ask the same questions repeatedly, “what is for dinner? And when will daddy be home?” Unfortunately for us, one of those questions would never be answered.
My hero, my Dad
It’s so very dark out. I can hear sirens; there are so many people in my house. What is going on? A priest enters the back door with a couple of men; my mother falls to the floor. She is inconsolable. Who are these men? Who are all of these people? Family members start to arrive. There is a lot of chaos and confusion. My Uncle Johnnie sits us down and tells us that my father was in an explosion in the pit; he was hurt really bad and it wasn’t looking good. Wasn’t looking good? Was I supposed to understand this? I am 12 years old, I am the oldest of three girls. My sister Georgina is 11 and Holly is only four years old. Such a dark day in my childhood. The flash backs are hazy. I often wonder if they are real memories or nightmares. This day is forever etched in my mind. It is the beginning of a journey which has forever changed our lives.
Steps for Life teams meet the Challenge
Steps for Life teams made huge strides this year, setting new markers for funds raised and levels of excitement.
Burton’s Garden
Our family cottage is located in a remote area of Ontario and has been in our family for the past 77 years. When my grandfather originally built the cottage it was during wartime and it was built out of whatever materials were available at the time. Since then, a second cottage was added by my father to accommodate his growing family. That was 32 years ago, and a lot has changed since then.
Thriving through change and loss
What prepares us for change and loss? How can we move on from change? How to develop resilience? What are healthy responses? How can we encompass all of the mind, body and spirit moving forward?
