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Living with loss & grief: Just one story of many
by Jolene Gust / We all have dates of anniversaries that we will forever remember, and April 28th is one of mine. This is the Day of Mourning, a day we remember workers who lost their lives, were injured, or became ill due to a work-related tragedy. This is a day that I personally get to reflect upon as my dad, Ken Wiebe lost his life due to a work-related fatality.
Plugging into the Volunteer Family Guide Program
Not all of us have good supports after a workplace tragedy. And even if you do, there’s always value in growing that network of people you can rely on. That’s where Volunteer Family Guides (VFGs) come in.
Finding solace and support in prevention
June 21st, 2013 is a day that our family will never forget. It was a beautiful, sunny Friday and it was George’s and my 33rd wedding anniversary. I had just returned home from work for the day but George wasn’t arriving home for a few hours yet. I began puttering around the kitchen when suddenly an OPP officer showed up at our front door with news that no parent should ever hear.
Let’s say ‘Thank You’ and not good-bye
As I approached my retirement date on June 16th I found myself reflecting on how fortunate I have been in both my professional and personal life.
Steps for Life walkers and teams who STEPPED IT UP!
There is no doubt that 2023 was a very big year for Steps for Life. The enthusiasm and support roared as we headed back to the parks for traditional Steps for Life events — crowds of families, friends, and coworkers proudly wearing their yellow T-shirts in declaration of safe work for all of us.
Are we celebrating?
As we prepared to honour Threads of Life’s 20th anniversary in 2023, we all struggled with language – are we celebrating? Or simply marking a milestone?
Kindred spirits on the road to safety
Liz has been a long-time member of the Threads of Life family – as a volunteer the most welcoming smile at the Central Family Forum. Now twice widowed due to workplace tragedy, Liz shares how Threads of Life’s programs supported her and her husband Fred through their experiences of workplace tragedy.
Steps for Life’s Greatest Success
Steps for Life’s greatest success may not be what you think it is. The media attention and promotions for the events mean more families connect with Threads of Life after a workplace tragedy than at any other time of the year.
Why would you become a Volunteer Family Guide?
Why become a VFG? Joanne shares the top 7 reasons why the role is important to her.
Donors like you: Fred Fretz
Like so many people, it was a family story that first brought Fred Fretz to Threads of Life. And like so many, it was the chance to have an impact on many that kept him involved both as a volunteer and as a donor. He was a member of the initial Threads of Life board of directors, and served on the board for eight years. He has remained a generous supporter, making annual donations.
Finding a passion for injury prevention
My workplace injury was similar to most members of the Threads of Life family, with one major exception: I was lucky! Why? First, because I only had one arm and not two in the brake press when it activated. Second, since I was working alone, I was lucky I did not faint, dying on a factory floor in a pool of blood.
A Day of Mourning – for all of us
It’s said that grief is what we feel inside, while mourning is expressing that grief to the outside world. For those who’ve experienced a workplace tragedy in their families, National Day of Mourning, April 28, is a day they can remove their masks and mourn publically.
