New grant to promote and improve safety in Nova Scotia

Crystal Garrett speaks with the folks behind two initiatives who are trying to promote and improve safety in Nova Scotia.

Two initiatives are coming together to promote and improve safety in Nova Scotia through a new grant program.

“A big part of what we do is community impact,” said Leah Veinot, manager of marketing and communications with Safety Services Nova Scotia, a non-profit that has existed since 1958 to deliver services, education and training programs across the province.

“We’re trying to make safety a way of life for every Nova Scotian,” said Veinot. “That’s at the heart of who we are.”

To do this, Safety Services has partnered with Threads of Life, a national charity that supports families and workers after workplace tragedies.

The new grant program, called Road to Impact, helps charitable organizations like Threads of Life support safety in their communities, said Veinot.

Threads of Life is one of the first grant recipients. It will receive $2,500 from a total of $25,000 Veinot said will be awarded in 2026.

Threads of Life supports families after workplace fatalities, life-altering injuries and occupational diseases said regional development coordinator Aubrey Bird.

“As you can imagine, the impact of a tragedy like that is huge,” Bird said. “We support workers and families with peer support programs, information sharing and also support them to share their stories.”

Bird said the grant money will help Threads of Life finance its biggest fundraiser; Steps of Life is a five-kilometre, family-friendly fundraiser and awareness walk that happens every year. This year’s Halifax walk is scheduled for May 2 in Point Pleasant Park.

“The walk helps spread awareness but is also a way to honour those who’ve been impacted by workplace tragedy,” Bird said.

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