‘Steps for Life': Community walk fundraises for workplace tragedy victims

CTV News01-05-2025

Joshua Rene seen in Windsor, Ont. on April 30, 2025. (Robert Lothian/CTV News Windsor)
The community is invited to lace up their running shoes and take part in an event called 'Steps for Life.'
The fundraiser supports 'Threads of Life', a national charity to help families affected by workplace tragedies.
'There are a lot of employers that still don't put health and safety first and foremost,' said Joshua Rene.
'It's unfortunate because there's families like mine that have to go through this.'
In 2000, Rene's father, Jamie Barker, fell 130 feet from the Ambassador Bridge into the frigid Detroit River water with two co-workers, after a major piece of scaffolding fell apart.
Windsor border flags
Canada and U.S. flags near the Ambassador Bridge border crossing in Windsor, Ont., on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2020. (Melanie Borrelli / CTV Windsor)
Four others were left hanging from the bridge by harnesses for over an hour before firefighters were able to hoist them to safety.
Over the decades, Rene and other family members have dedicated time to promoting workplace safety.
'Unfortunately, things like this happen every day,' added Rene.
'Even if you don't or haven't been affected by it today, God forbid, tomorrow or the next day, or you'll know somebody down the road.'
In 2012, a Michigan man was painting the underside of the same bridge when he fell in the Detroit River.
In 2016, another man fell to his death working as an electrician.
'We set a pretty hefty goal. But we are already over $13,000,' said Barker.
'The generosity of this community of Windsor-Essex has just blown my mind. And it continues to make it so that my family doesn't feel so great. It's a community and it's heartwarming.'
The five-kilometre takes place Sunday at Malden Park at 9 a.m.
After the walk and closing ceremonies, a tree planting ceremony will take place in honour of Barker.
Other activities include an appearance by Marshall from the Paw Patrol, a colouring station, free slushies and milkshakes, bubbles, and a police cruiser and fire truck will visit.