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Casket Project Full Steam Ahead

Short update on the “Casket” Video Project…

If you are not yet familiar with the new JPMF project in the works, this is it in a nutshell:

Since Const. John Petropoulos’ death (as the result of a preventable fall at unsafe workplace) in 2000, more than 20,000 Canadians have died as the result of their work – either due to injury or occupational disease. As far as we’re concerned, this number is both staggering & unacceptable.

The “Casket” project is a multi-phase public awareness campaign comprised of PSAs, short videos, a documentary and other educational messaging that raises awareness about the issue of worker & workplace safety in Canada. 

For more information, please visit the JPMF newsroom

First Casket PSA – Tower of Caskets

The first Public Service Announcement (PSA) is an animated spot that visually demonstrates what 20,000 fatalities looks like. This powerful PSA is nearly finished & will be launched on Sept 29th, 2020 – the 20th anniversary of John’s death.

Second PSA – Some Faces Behind the Stats

A second PSA and/or short video is also in the works. This video will show some of the faces behind the statistics. A heartfelt thank you to all the family members who have contributed photos of your loved one to the project so far. We sincerely appreciate you participating in this important project and hope that by working together, we can help bring these numbers down. 

Because one death is one too many.

For further details on the photo project, here is the link

We Are Still Accepting Photos From Family Members 

If you have a lost a loved one to a workplace fatality in Canada, we are still accepting photographs for the project. If you would like to participate, please contact our Family Liaison Coordinator, Rebecca Orr, at: Rebecca@jpmf.ca.

Here Are a Few More Photos We Have Received So Far…

Virginia Campeau holding photo of Paul Campeau

Cheryl Shock with photo of Sean Bradley

Ashling Boyd holding photo of Cathal Boyd

Jack & Katie Dexter holding photo of Bryan Benay

Michelle Fitch holding photo of Tim DesGrosseilliers

Robbie & Renee Vinnicombe with photo of David Vinnicombe

“When like-minded people come together, they make a huge difference.”

– Madhuri Jagtap

About the John Petropoulos Memorial Fund

The JPMF was started shortly after the death of Constable John Petropoulos on Sept 29th, 2000. John was investigating a break and enter complaint when he stepped through a false ceiling, fell nine feet into the lunchroom below and succumbed to brain injuries. There was no safety railing to warn him of the danger. He was 32.

The JPMF is a registered Canadian charity that raises public awareness about workplace safety issues and educates people about why & how to ensure their workplaces are safe for everyone, including emergency responders. For further information, please visit jpmf.ca.  

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Photo deadline extended to Sept 15th

Call for Photos From Family Members Impacted by Workplace Fatality Extended to Sept 15th, 2020

Julie Hamilton holding photo of her son, Tim, who died at work

Have You Been Impacted by a Workplace Fatality in Canada?

If so, we would like to hear from you.

The John Petropoulos Memorial Fund is reaching out to family members who have lost a loved one due to a workplace fatality in Canada, either through injury or occupational illness.

We are in the early phases of creating a new public awareness campaign and are looking for people who would like to submit photographs of their loved ones.

Shirley & Bob Hickman holding photo of their son, Tim, who died at work

Here are the details:

Casket” Video Project – Public Awareness Campaign

Snapshot: Calgary police officer Const John Petropoulos died in the line of duty on Sept 29th, 2000. John was investigating a break and enter complaint when he stepped through an unmarked false ceiling and fell to his death. There was no safety railing in place to warn him – or anyone else – of the danger.

Maryanne Pope holding photo of her husband, John, who died on the job

Since John’s death, nearly 20,000 Canadians have died as the result of a workplace injury or illness. Although this number is staggering, many people are likely unaware of the cumulative – and steadily growing – death toll.

In reality, however, that number is likely 10 to 13 times higher.

Significant underestimation of workplace deaths

This project will be comprised of four videos that will share a similar look, feel and tone: one or two PSAs, a short video and a full-length documentary. These videos will be produced and distributed in phases over the next few years.

Phase 1: The first PSA (30-sec) will show the sheer volume of 20,000 deaths through the imagery of a growing tower of caskets (animated). This PSA will be aired on TV, shown on the JPMF website, You Tube channel and partner websites, as well as shared on social media.

Phase 2: The second PSA (30-sec) will show both the mounting death toll of deceased workers and the exponential number of loved ones left behind to pick up the pieces. This PSA will be animated but may include a real-life photo/s component. This PSA will be aired on TV, shown on the JPMF website, You Tube channel and partner websites, as well as shared on social media.

Phase 3: Through *photos, this short video (90-sec to 2-min) will highlight some of the real people behind the numbers (deceased workers and their loved ones) – to reflect the human loss associated with workplace fatalities. This video will be shown on the JPMF website, You Tube channel and partner websites as well as shared on social media.

Phase 4: Through multiple interviews reflecting a broad spectrum of workplace safety perspectives, the full-length documentary (approx. 90 min) will explore how we got to where we are (in terms of the unacceptable number of workplace fatalities) and what is being done – and not done – to help bring about a stronger culture of workplace safety for all Canadians.

Ultimately, we aim to continue partnering with like-minded individuals and organizations to help bring these numbers DOWN. As far as we’re concerned, one workplace fatality is one too many.

JPMF web logo square

Background: The John Petropoulos Memorial Fund (JPMF) is a registered Canadian charity. The JPMF was started shortly after John’s death for the purpose of raising public awareness about why and how people can make their workplaces – including the roads – safer for everyone, including first responders.

The JPMF has produced a 10-min safety video, as well as eight 30-second PSAs that have aired on TV over 2 million times. For further info or to view the videos please visit jpmf.ca.

*Call to family members who have been impacted by a workplace fatality: if you have lost a family member to a workplace fatality (due to injury or occupational illness) and are interested in participating in this project, we would like to hear from you.

We are looking for people who would be interested in sending us a photograph of your loved one, as well as a photo of you holding that same photo. These photos will be used in the public awareness campaign.

Please note, we have extended the deadline for receiving these photos to September 15th, 2020.

To find out how to participate (i.e. what we need from you in terms of photo parameters, resolution, etc), please contact our Casket Video Project Family Liaison, Rebecca Orr at rebecca@jpmf.ca.

For further information about the Casket video project, please contact Maryanne Pope (JPMF Director at Large & John’s widow) at maryanne@jpmf.ca or (778) 678-4496. Detailed treatments of all videos are available upon request.

Thank you for considering participating in this important project. We sincerely appreciate your willingness to share your story for the purpose of raising awareness about the unacceptable number of workplace fatalities caused by injury and illness in Canada…and ultimately, to help bring about a safer, healthier future for all Canadians.

threadsoflife

About Threads of Life: If you have been impacted by a workplace tragedy in Canada and are not familiar with the organization, Threads of Life; The Association for Workplace Tragedy Family Support, please visit their website. They are a Canadian registered charity dedicated to supporting families after a workplace fatality, life-altering injury or occupational disease.

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Call FORE Volunteers!

Call FORE Calgary Volunteers for August 20th Golf Tournament!

golfer at sunset

“I have a tip that can take five strokes off anyone’s game. It’s called an eraser.”

– Arnold Palmer

Volunteers Needed in Calgary on August 20th

The Calgary Police Association’s annual charity golf tournament – benefiting the John Petropoulos Memorial Fund – is coming up and we’re looking for a few volunteers to chip in…selling raffle tickets to golfers

This tournament is a major fundraiser for us and a fun event for our volunteers! 

When: Thursday August 20, 2020

Where: Heritage Point Golf Course, Calgary, AB

Shifts: The morning shift runs from 7 am until 1 pm and the afternoon shift starts at noon and ends around 6 pm.

Duties: Volunteers will set up off the greens of par 3 holes, where they will watch for hole-in-ones (big prizes are up for grabs for any golfer who makes a hole-in-one). Volunteers will also sell raffle tickets and 50/50 tickets to golfers.

Contact: If you’d like to help out, please e-mail Harleigh at harleighatkinson@gmail.com. 

Other details: Dress for this event is casual and volunteers are asked to be prepared for a variety of weather conditions: please bring a hat, sunscreen, bug spray and a foldable chair. Food and beverages are complimentary for volunteers, who are also welcome to stay for a warm meal at the luncheon/banquet following their shift. In addition, volunteers can use the driving range free of charge when their shift is complete.

Thank you!

About the JPMF: Calgary police officer Const John Petropoulos died in the line of duty on Sept 29th, 2000. John was investigating a break and enter complaint when he stepped through an unmarked false ceiling and fell to his death. The John Petropoulos Memorial Fund (JPMF) is a Canadian charity that raises public awareness about why and how people can make their workplaces – including the roads – safer for everyone, including first responders. Please visit jpmf.ca to view our safety initiatives. 

JPMF web logo square
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Have You Been Impacted by Workplace Tragedy?

Have You Been Impacted by a Workplace Fatality in Canada?

Julie Hamilton and her son, Tim

 If so, we would like to hear from you.

The John Petropoulos Memorial Fund is reaching out to family members who have lost a loved one due to a workplace fatality in Canada, either through injury or occupational illness.

We are in the early phases of creating a new public awareness campaign and are looking for people who would like to submit photographs of their loved ones.

Here are the details:

Casket” Video Project – Public Awareness Campaign

Snapshot: Calgary police officer Const John Petropoulos died in the line of duty on Sept 29th, 2000. John was investigating a break and enter complaint when he stepped through an unmarked false ceiling and fell to his death. There was no safety railing in place to warn him – or anyone else – of the danger.

Since John’s death, nearly 20,000 Canadians have died as the result of a workplace injury or illness. Although this number is staggering, many people are likely unaware of the cumulative – and steadily growing – death toll.

In reality, however, that number is likely 10 to 13 times higher.

Significant underestimation of workplace deaths

This project will be comprised of four videos that will share a similar look, feel and tone: one or two PSAs, a short video and a full-length documentary. These videos will be produced and distributed in phases over the next few years.

Phase 1: The first PSA (30-sec) will show the sheer volume of 20,000 deaths through the imagery of a growing tower of caskets (animated). This PSA will be aired on TV, shown on the JPMF website, You Tube channel and partner websites, as well as shared on social media.

Phase 2: The second PSA (30-sec) will show both the mounting death toll of deceased workers and the exponential number of loved ones left behind to pick up the pieces. This PSA will be animated but may include a real-life photo/s component. This PSA will be aired on TV, shown on the JPMF website, You Tube channel and partner websites, as well as shared on social media.

Phase 3: Through *photos, this short video (90-sec to 2-min) will highlight some of the real people behind the numbers (deceased workers and their loved ones) – to reflect the human loss associated with workplace fatalities. This video will be shown on the JPMF website, You Tube channel and partner websites as well as shared on social media.

Phase 4: Through multiple interviews reflecting a broad spectrum of workplace safety perspectives, the full-length documentary (approx. 90 min) will explore how we got to where we are (in terms of the unacceptable number of workplace fatalities) and what is being done – and not done – to help bring about a stronger culture of workplace safety for all Canadians.

Ultimately, we aim to continue partnering with like-minded individuals and organizations to help bring these numbers DOWN. As far as we’re concerned, one workplace fatality is one too many.

JPMF web logo square

Background: The John Petropoulos Memorial Fund (JPMF) is a registered Canadian charity. The JPMF was started shortly after John’s death for the purpose of raising public awareness about why and how people can make their workplaces – including the roads – safer for everyone, including first responders.

The JPMF has produced a 10-min safety video, as well as eight 30-second PSAs that have aired on TV over 2 million times. For further info or to view the videos please visit jpmf.ca.

*Call to family members who have been impacted by workplace fatality: if you have lost a family member to a workplace fatality (due to injury or occupational illness) and are interested in participating in this project, we would like to hear from you.

We are looking for people who would be interested in sending us a photograph of your loved one, as well as a photo of you holding that same photo. These photos will be used in the public awareness campaign.

Please note, we will need to receive the photos by August 1st, 2020.

To find out how to participate (i.e. what we need from you in terms of photo parameters, resolution, etc), please contact our Casket Video Project Family Liaison, Rebecca Orr at rebecca@jpmf.ca.

For further information about the Casket video project, please contact Maryanne Pope (JPMF Director at Large & John’s widow) at maryanne@jpmf.ca or (778) 678-4496. Detailed treatments of all videos are available upon request.

Thank you for considering participating in this important project. We sincerely appreciate your willingness to share your story for the purpose of raising awareness about the unacceptable number of workplace fatalities caused by injury and illness in Canada…and ultimately, to help bring about a safer, healthier future for all Canadians.

threadsoflife

About Threads of Life: If you have been impacted by a workplace tragedy in Canada and are not yet familiar with the organization, Threads of Life; The Association for Workplace Tragedy Family Support, please visit their website. They are a Canadian registered charity dedicated to supporting families after a workplace fatality, life-altering injury or occupational disease.

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New PSA Project is a GO!

New PSA is a GO – “Casket” Video Project Underway

worker fatality

“Safety isn’t expensive. It’s priceless.”

– Unknown

If you are familiar with the recent efforts of the John Petropoulos Memorial Fund, you may recall we were embarking on a new project: the production of a new (our ninth) 30-second PSA (public service announcement) for TV broadcast.

The working title of the PSA was “A New Legacy.”

For a variety of reasons (a downturn in the Alberta economy, not receiving a government grant, the pandemic) we had little success in securing the necessary funds to have that PSA produced.

So back to the drawing board we went.

After some tweaks to the creative concept and a bit of brainstorming, we are pleased to announce the project is ON again!

We are currently working with an animator to have this new PSA produced at a very reasonable production cost. The working title of the PSA is “Casket.” Grim, yes…but so is the reason for creating it in the first place. More on that in a moment.

The PSA will likely be aired around the time of the 20th anniversary of John’s death on September 29th, 2000.

This first PSA will be part of the larger “Casket” video project.

Here is a brief overview of the overall project:

Snapshot: Calgary police officer Const John Petropoulos died in the line of duty on Sept 29th, 2000. John was investigating a break and enter complaint when he stepped through an unmarked false ceiling and fell to his death. There was no safety railing in place to warn him – or anyone else – of the danger.

Since John’s death, nearly 20,000 Canadians have died as the result of a workplace injury or illness. Although this number is staggering, many people are likely unaware of the cumulative – and steadily growing – death toll.

In reality, however, that number is likely 10 to 13 times higher

Significant underestimation of workplace deaths

The Casket project will be comprised of four videos that will share a similar look, feel and tone: one or two PSAs, a short video and a full-length documentary. These videos will be produced and distributed in phases over the next few years.

Phase 1: The first PSA (30-sec) will show the sheer volume of 20,000 deaths through the imagery of a growing tower of caskets (animated). This PSA will be aired on TV, shown on the JPMF website, You Tube channel and partner websites, as well as shared on social media.

Phase 2: The second PSA (30-sec) will show both the mounting death toll of deceased workers and the exponential number of loved ones left behind to pick up the pieces. This PSA will be animated but may include a real-life photo/s component. This PSA will be aired on TV, shown on the JPMF website, You Tube channel and partner websites, as well as shared on social media.

Phase 3: Through *photos, this short video (90-sec to 2-min) will highlight some of the actual people behind the numbers (deceased workers and their loved ones) – to reflect the human loss associated with workplace fatalities. This video will be shown on the JPMF website, You Tube channel and partner websites as well as shared on social media.

Phase 4: Through multiple interviews reflecting a broad spectrum of workplace safety perspectives, the full-length documentary (approx. 90 min) will explore how we got to where we are, in terms of the unacceptable number of workplace fatalities, and what is being done – and not done – to help bring about a stronger culture of workplace safety for all Canadians.

Goal: Ultimately, we aim to continue partnering with like-minded individuals and organizations to help bring these numbers DOWN. As far as we’re concerned, one workplace fatality is one too many.

*Call to family members who have been impacted by workplace fatality: if you have lost a family member to a workplace fatality (due to injury or occupational illness) and are interested in participating in this project, we would like to hear from you.

We are looking for people who would be interested in sending us a photograph of your loved one, as well as a photo of you holding that same photo. For further information (photo parameters, etc), please contact our Casket Video Project Family Liaison, Rebecca Orr at rebecca@jpmf.ca.

Please note we will need the photos by August 1st, 2020.

For further information about the Casket video project, please contact Maryanne Pope (JPMF Director at Large & John’s widow) at maryanne@jpmf.ca or (778) 678-4496. Detailed treatments of all videos are available upon request.

jpmf_logo_large[1]

Background: The John Petropoulos Memorial Fund (JPMF) is a registered Canadian charity. The JPMF was started shortly after John’s death (by John’s police recruit classmates) for the purpose of raising public awareness about why and how people can make their workplaces – including the roads – safer for everyone, including first responders.

The JPMF has produced a 10-min safety video, as well as eight 30-second PSAs that have aired on TV over 2 million times. For further info or to view the videos please visit jpmf.ca.

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”

– Martin Luther King

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Slow Down Holiday Safety Video

‘Tis the busy holiday season…

But please take a moment and view this new 1-min traffic safety video, entitled “Please Slow Down & Give the Gift of Life This Holiday Season.”

And if you are on social media, please share. You just never know who might need to see this important reminder.

Life gets busy and it’s easy to get distracted…but everyone has the right to get home safely.

Thank you, take care & stay safe this holiday season.

Happy Holidays from all of us at the JPMF!

About the John Petropoulos Memorial Fund

The JPMF was started shortly after the death of Calgary Police Constable John Petropoulos on Sept 29th, 2000. John was investigating a break and enter complaint when he stepped through a false ceiling, fell nine feet into the lunchroom below and died of a brain injury. There was no safety railing to warn him of the danger; the complaint turned out to be a false alarm.

John was 32.

The JPMF is a registered Canadian charity that raises public awareness about workplace safety issues and educates people about why & how to ensure their workplaces and the roads are safer for everyone, including emergency responders. For further information, please visit jpmf.ca.