We so often see tragedy and hope hand-in-hand: people who have experienced a terrible loss, but who dedicate themselves to helping change the future; people who are touched by the losses of others and decide to make a difference. This month, read some inspiring stories of hope rising out of tragedy.

The day Tara Elliott got that phone call is what she calls a “flashbulb memory” – a vivid, detailed memory of a high-emotional moment. She can recall each turn she took on her drive to the hospital; how each member of her family reacted when the doctor told them her father was dead. 

Tara’s dad Stephen worked as a machinist for 28 years. On that terrible day, a piece of metal flew out of the machine he was using, hitting him in the chest and killing him instantly. Tara’s family was changed forever. This year, Tara is the national family spokesperson for Steps for Life, as well as the spokesperson for Steps for Life Regina. 

"Being the spokesperson for the Steps for Life walk gives me the opportunity to share my experience with workplace tragedy,” Tara says. “By telling my story and the impact it has had on my family, it will hopefully raise awareness for workplace safety and prevent further incidents like this from happening to other families. Walking with members of my community to support the ultimate goal of returning every worker home safely, means the world to me."

Watch Tara’s story here.

The J-AAR team and business partners have big hearts – filled with caring for the families of Threads of LIfe and filled with passion for health and safety. The London, Ontario-based civil contracting company (formerly John Aarts Group) began its relationship with Threads of Life by inviting volunteer speaker Elisa Kilbourne to share her story in March 2023. Her message resonated with employees and they adopted Threads of Life as their charity of choice for 2023. Through the year, they organized golf tournaments, held staff events and donated a percentage from sales of branded clothes and gifts. And this spring at the company’s annual meeting, J-AAR Limited presented Threads of LIfe with a cheque for $105,495! What an incredible demonstration of compassion and commitment. Thank you, from Threads of Life families, to all the employees, partners and contractors who contributed to this amazing gift.

National Day of Mourning on April 28 is a solemn and important date on the calendar for those affected by workplace tragedy, and for all those dedicated to workplace health and safety. It’s a day to honour the memory of those killed or injured because of their jobs, to recognize lives permanently changed, and to re-dedicate ourselves to preventing such tragedies in the future.

Across the country, Threads of Life volunteer speakers and family members will be sharing their experiences at private and public ceremonies. Threads of Life will again hold our own brief online ceremony – this year on Friday, April 26 at 12 noon ADT/11 a.m. EDT/10 a.m. CDT/9 a.m. CST and MDT/ 8 a.m. PDT. Registration will open this week – please join us and share the invitation with your network.

If you can’t attend a ceremony, you can light a candle in your own space, or observe a moment of silence and renew your commitment to workplace health and safety.

Steps for Life-Walking for Families of Workplace Tragedy events are a few weeks away, so that’s lots of time to make – or break through – your fundraising target! In 2023, more than 300 new family members came to Threads of Life looking for help in coping with the tragedy that has turned their lives upside down. That’s in addition to the 3,600 family members Threads of Life was already serving. Every person’s grief and healing is different, but they have access to our one-to-one peer support program, our annual regional family forums, our monthly online workshops, our quarterly newsletter and other programs. All of these programs are provided at no cost to those affected by tragedy. That’s where the money goes – to ensure anyone who needs support can get it. And that’s why we really need your help making Steps for Life 2024 the biggest fundraiser ever! Last year our walkers and donors raised an astounding and record-breaking one million dollars. We can’t wait to see where that total lands this year. If you’re wondering where to start, try our 7 steps to raise $200 in 7 days:



1. Sponsor yourself – when you register to walk, make a kick-off donation of $15 (or more!)
2. Ask 3 relatives – Ask 3 of your family members to sponsor you for $20 each.
3. Ask 6 friends – Ask 6 of your friends to sponsor you for just $10 each.
4. Ask 3 coworkers – Ask 3 of your co-workers to sponsor you for $10 each.
5. Ask 3 neighbours – Go door to door and ask 3 of your neighbours to sponsor your walk for $5.
6. Ask your spouse or partner – Ask someone special to you, to donate $20 for your Steps for Life walk.
7. Celebrate your success! – Do your happy dance! You’ve just raised $200! Maybe it’s time to increase your goal…

ICYMI: On the blog

Threads of Life - Association for Workplace Tragedy Family Support

(519) 685-4276 | [email protected]