An in-person fundraising walk to support families affected by workplace tragedies will be held in Sarnia this weekend.
The 13th annual Steps for Life Sarnia event will be held at Canatara Park on Saturday, May 7.
Chairman Mark Roehler said the five kilometre walk is a fundraiser to support programs provided by a national charity known as Threads of Life (Association of Workplace Tragedy Family Support). However, Roehler said the event is more than just a fundraiser, it also acts as an educational opportunity.
"It's important for people to come out and just find out more about what we do because there's a lot of people that don't realize this charity exists," he said. "They may have family members that may have been injured or tragically killed in the workplace and they don't know that there's support for that."
Roehler said prior to the pandemic, there would typically be 100-125 participants.
"We had it the last two years but we did it virtually so it's not the same," he said. "I'm trying something new and hopefully it'll work out. We're going to try and live-stream it."
He said those who may be apprehensive about attending an in-person event are still encouraged to participate virtually throughout the month of May.
Fred Broughton is the local Steps for Life spokesperson this year. He and his wife lost their son Bruce after he fell from a 60-foot building at a construction site.
“Being the spokesperson for the Sarnia Steps for Life walk allows me to share our personal testimony on the reality of living in the aftermath of a workplace fatality," said Broughton in a statement. "To honour our son Bruce and share his story will be a privilege for me.”
The fundraising walk will also include a silent auction.
The goal for this year's event is to raise $15,000. Participants are asked to register ahead of the walk. Further details about registration and donations can be found on the Threads of Life website.
In-person participants are asked to meet at the Seaway Kiwanis Pavilion at Canatara Park. Registration opens at 9 a.m. and the walk will start around 10 a.m.
During the event, participants are also encouraged to share pictures and videos with the Steps for Life Sarnia Facebook page using #WeWalkTogether.
