Hello
April brings two very important dates for Threads of Life: Day of Mourning and the anniversary of our organization’s founding – all the more significant this year because it’s our 20th year. Both dates are bittersweet. We wish they didn’t need to exist, but it’s important to mark them and the progress made along the way.
Together on the Journey: Shirley's 'why'
Threads of Life was officially incorporated 20 years ago this month – April 14, 2003. Families of the workers represented on the Young Worker LifeQuilt had come together for the quilt’s unveiling and were determined to make change so that other families would not have to experience such tragedies. 

Personal stories are the foundation of Threads of Life and one of the cornerstones is the story of Tim Hickman, whose mother Shirley Hickman, founded The Association for Workplace Tragedy Family Support, along with Paul Kells and Sharon Freeman. Tim died as a result of severe burns received when an ice resurfacer exploded at the arena where he was working. 

“So how does an organization like Threads of Life get started?” Shirley asks. “For me, it was a commitment to do something positive and productive with my love for our son, Tim.”

Twenty years on, Shirley and her family, and all the families of Threads of Life, continue to work each day to help families heal through a community of support and to promote the elimination of life-altering workplace injuries, illnesses and deaths. Read more about Shirley’s personal journey here.
Mark Day of Mourning with Threads of Life
For Threads of Life families, there are many personal and private milestone dates. National Day of Mourning, April 28, is one day when their own intimate story becomes a universal story; when they can join with others to acknowledge publicly the toll that workplace tragedy has taken on their lives. While Day of Mourning is never an easy day, those affected by workplace tragedy appreciate knowing others are with them, whether in person or in spirit. Together in community we pledge our commitment to bring an end to work-related injuries, illnesses and deaths. On April 28, Threads of Life will again host a brief virtual ceremony. Please register to join us using the link on our Day of Mourning page. Those attending will be invited to light a candle in their own space, and are welcome to share in the chat the name of someone they are honouring that day. 
Team up for H&S!
You’ve heard the expression “Teamwork makes the dream work”. Well at Threads of Life, we dream of a world where workplace tragedies are eliminated. One of the ways we can all work together to make the dream reality is through Steps for Life-Walking for Families of Workplace Tragedy. When you get your workplace team involved in Steps for Life, you’re letting everyone know health and safety is your top priority. You’re keeping everyone focused on safety, you’re helping families already affected by workplace tragedies, and you’re even having a little fun along the way. Register your team today for Steps for Life and help us make the dream work!
ICYMI: On the blog
The threads that connect us ... as one big team |...

We often talk about Steps for Life, and Threads of Life as if they were two separate entities. Threads of Life is the organization - a charity, and Steps for Life - Walking for Families of Workplace Tragedy is the main event that supports that...

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threadsoflife.ca
Volunteer Profile: Marj Deyell | Threads of Life

Learning new things and having a project underway are two of the key motivations for Marj Deyell as one of Threads of Life's long-time volunteers. Marj comes from a family of teachers, so learning is an important part of her life.

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threadsoflife.ca
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