When you look for a role model who embodies the definition of community engagement and commitment, Treena Dixon is someone who demonstrates that in many ways. Treena has been involved as a volunteer with Threads of Life since 2011, after moving to the Red Deer region in 2009, serving in numerous roles including co-Chair of the Steps for Life Red Deer committee.

 

“I’ve been a volunteer since I could walk,” shares Treena. For as long as she can remember, Treena has been a dedicated community volunteer. From a very young age she began volunteering alongside her parents and has continued on as a volunteer into and throughout her adult life. With a background in emergency services and a long standing career in health and safety, she brings a unique perspective to the role of Steps for Life committee Chair.

There are a few reasons why Treena volunteers for Threads of Life. In her previous role as an EMT she saw countless situations related to trauma and injury. With her employment in the health and safety industry she noted, “As a safety professional for the past 20 years, your focus is on prevention and trying to stop incidents from happening”. As an injured worker herself who still deals with the long term impact of a fall, she understands all aspects of how injury and trauma can impact an individual and family. Recognizing that impact motivates her to support not only Threads of Life, but many other community-based non-profit organizations.

Treena Dixon

Treena has been involved in the creation of the Fallen Workers Memorial in Red Deer, organizes the annual Day of Mourning ceremonies, serves as Treasurer of the local CSSE chapter and assists the Parkland Regional Safety Committee with their initiatives as well. She does hold a special place for Threads of Life. “It’s a fantastic organization,” she says. When fundraising for Steps for Life it helps to create those important conversations surrounding a topic no one ever wants to talk about. “It’s important that Threads of Life exists and that services are available when people choose to call,” says Treena. “Despite our best efforts to educate people about health and safety, things still do happen.” She says that individuals and families need to have an organization that can provide support when dealing with the aftermath of a workplace tragedy.

Throughout her life Treena has been fortunate to have had great support systems and credits her volunteer experience in allowing her to meet others and create special bonds with those working to support causes like Steps for Life and Threads of Life, that have developed into lifelong friendships. She is an integral part of the core group of volunteers who coordinate the Red Deer Steps for Life event, including business owners, safety professionals and others committed to help ensure individuals and families have support available when a workplace tragedy occurs.

Mentoring others is something Treena also takes pride in. She has a willingness to teach others and share her knowledge and experience to strengthen her community and the organizations she serves. Threads of Life is fortunate to have the support of dedicated individuals like Treena Dixon who selflessly give of their time to ensure the foundations of safety are strengthened in their communities and that family support exists when needed most.

Shari Hinz
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