Our Why: Our Champions, Our Heroes

Our volunteers,
Our participants,
Our sponsors, and
Our communities.

We would like to thank you for being our CHAMPIONS, our HEROES. 

So far 2020 is nothing like any of us had planned – COVID-19 put a halt to that. In March, in just a matter of days, everything changed for home, work and play. Nothing was untouched, including Steps for Life. Now that May has come to an end, and we have time to reflect, it is truly remarkable what was accomplished in such a short period of time.

We had to come up with a new plan; not to cancel, but to create a new vision for the Steps for Life walks. When we shared that vision with you, you all embraced it.

We had to shift focus – with the challenges that everyone was facing, we moved from fundraising to awareness, to spreading the word of health and safety first and foremost. When we shared our new focus, you were all on board.

At the same time as mourning the loss of our local events, we wanted to ensure we all still had an outlet to participate and honour our loved ones. Having smaller individual and family activities any day in May was our solution. When we shared this new #MyWhyMyWay initiative, you all joined in.

Because our traditional community-based walks in parks and venues shifted to virtual-based activities all over the country; we had to decide how our “sea of yellow” would continue. Social media became the vehicle to post, like, comment and share. We asked you all to try something new, to learn how to engage online to keep Steps for Life alive. When we asked, you all followed through.

No matter what changes we made, you SHOWED UP in droves and without hesitation.  So it is without a doubt that Steps for Life 2020 is a success because of all of YOU. Every single one of your efforts made a difference. The goals of awareness, participation and promotion were not only met, but they were exceeded. The sea of yellow was mighty – your messages, pictures and activities were moving and powerful. And, even though fundraising wasn’t the main focus and many are not in a position to donate, collectively you were still able to raise more than $435,000 for the families and programs of Threads of Life.

So I again I say “this truly is AMAZING”. You are our champions, our heroes.

Every year you inspire me, and this year was no different. Thank you for walking with us in spirit and any day in May, your way.

As a family member and part of the staff team, I sincerely THANK YOU, all of you!

Stay safe,

Heather Lyle

National Manager – Steps for Life

PS: If you have a moment, I encourage you to do a search using the hashtag, #MyWhyMyWay – the results will be plentiful from east to west, north to south.