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Threads of Life fills void
for families of workplace
accident victims
Canadian Design and Construction Report staff writer
Threads of Life began 10 years ago with a mission to
support families who have suffered a workplace fatality,
life-altering illness or occupational disease. On May 3
and 4, 37 Steps for Life Walks took place across the
country in support of the initiative.
When Shirley Hickman lost her son in a workplace ac-
cident she struggled, as many left behind do. Together
she and other volunteers formed Threads of Life to fill a
void; to offer families support, forums, and opportunities
to move forward in their lives. Today the program serves
more than 1,500 family members across the country.
Government organizations, commercial enterprise
and key construction industry partners have supported
Threads of Life fund-raising.
Todd MacDonald, district HSE (health, safety and en-
vironment) manager with PCL Intracon Power Inc. also
chairs the Edmonton Steps for Life Walk.
PCL was the walk's first national sponsor, MacDonald
said. “As a health and safety professional, I appreciate
the life changing impact a workplace fatality can bring.
This is why companies need to work diligently in imple-
menting health and safety management systems which
prevent these tragic events."
Threads of Life also provides speakers who work
across the country delivering the message that work-
place accidents are preventable and are in no way an ac-
ceptable cost of doing business.
MacDonald says he started working with Threads of
Life early in 2013 with little knowledge beyond under-
standing the fundraising and awareness were important.
“Last year the walks raised just under $600,000. This
is the tenth anniversary of the program in Canada, the
fifth anniversary for them in Edmonton.”
“Through the program I’ve met people who have lost
loved ones on job sites,” MacDonald said. “It has made
a deep impact on me, and made it more personal.”
In Edmonton, balloons were released to start the
event and a bagpiper piped walkers to the start line.
Along the path, a memory lane featured workplace acci-
dent victims' pictures and stories.
He says the funds raised across the country are
pooled and directed to support spouses, children and
parents. Families or friends should connect with Threads
of Life directly if they require support.
For more information, visit http://threadsoflife.ca.
The Canadian Design and Construction Report — Summer 2014 – 17