Raising awareness of workplace safety and tragedies

Winnipeg

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This article was published 16/04/2025 (514 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Sometimes all it takes to make a difference is a step in the right direction.

The annual Steps for Life fundraising walk is set to take place on April 27. It is a national event which began in Ontario but has since expanded coast-to-coast.

The Winnipeg edition has been held at Kildonan Park in the past, but this year’s five-kilometre walk will be at the Lower Fort Garry National Historic site (5925 Highway 9, St. Andrews, Man.), instead. The change of location allows more room for the festivities, and gives folks a common meeting place after the fact.

The walk raises funds for and awareness of Threads of Life, a national non-profit organization which supports families that have lost a loved one to a workplace accident, as well as those who have faced or are facing a work-related, life-altering injury or illness. It was founded in London, Ont. in 2003 by Shirley Hickman — who was regional director until she retired at the end of last year — after her son, Tim, was killed by an explosion on the job in 1996. Eugene Gutierrez has taken on the role of regional director following her retirement.

“It does several things,” said Jake Thiessen, a health and safety co-ordinator volunteering at the local Steps for Life for the third time. “It brings awareness to the families who are suffering from these tragedies, to let them know that we’re here.”

“Everybody thinks to say ‘drive safe’ and things like that, because they understand the risks involved with driving, but people never think that their husband or wife or son or daughter is going to get killed at work because they’re there making a living, or you’ll see them at supper time. So it seems to be more shocking, cuts a little deeper, hits a little harder. It’s just so totally out of left field,” he said.

Thiessen became interested after hearing a story shared by a speaker at the first Steps for Life event he attended.

She had lost a few fingers due to an accident at work, and found that she was still dealing with debilitating pain in that hand — even in the digits that were no longer there.

After returning to work, she faced ridicule from colleagues, who couldn’t understand why she had chronic pain in fingers that weren’t there. Threads of Life ended up being a crucial support for her.

“There’s a lot of one-on-one work that’s done,” Thiessen said. “They have weekend retreats where these families can go and meet other families and learn that, ‘Yes, you’re not alone. There are other people here that have been or are going through what you’re going through.’ And then there’s a feeling of community support.”

Threads of Life currently provides support services to approximately 3,900 families through online workshops, forums, events, working with families to gain access to resources, and more. Steps for Life is one of its largest fundraising events. Alongside the walk, there are also family activities, a speaker, and a hotdog barbecue for those taking part.

Those interested in taking part can register anytime, and can even walk up and register in-person. Those unable to make the actual event can take part in an online version, whereby they walk anywhere and raise donations that way.

To learn more, donate, or to register, visit threadsoflife.ca/get-involved/steps-for-life-walk