Remember fallen workers — and their kids

Kids’ Chance helps children when their parent is killed or seriously injured at work

By KAIRIE PIERCE

(April 28, 2021) — Workers’ Memorial Day is an international day of remembrance for workers who are killed on the job or die from work-related illnesses. It is traditionally observed on April 28, a date commemorating the creation of the Occupational Safety and Health Act in 1970.

This is an important day for the Kids’ Chance community. We support the families of workers who are remembered and honored on this day, particularly their children. Recognizing Workers’ Memorial Day and rededicating ourselves to safer workplaces and working conditions is another way to demonstrate our support to these kids.

Kids’ Chance of Washington was founded in 2001 through the collaborative efforts of leaders in labor, business and government to provide support to the families of Washington workers who have been seriously injured or have died from a work-related accident or exposure. I have the honor of serving as Vice-Chair of the Kids’ Chance board alongside labor members Mark Martinez of the Pierce County Building and Construction Trades and Brenda Wiest of Teamsters 117.

We at Kids’ Chance know the future can look frightening to those whose parent or spouse has been seriously or fatally injured at work. Entire families must adjust to the many impacts and changes from these accidents. We may be able to help with the additional challenge of funding the education and career goals of the family members.

Kids’ Chance of Washington is registered in Washington as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization to provide needs-based scholarships to the children and spouses affected by these serious work-related injuries or conditions. To qualify, the worker must be totally permanently disabled under the criteria of the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, or deceased.

Scholarships are funded through donations from business and labor organizations throughout the state, as well as individuals, employers, attorneys, and other groups affiliated with the workers’ compensation system in Washington.

Workers’ Memorial Day is the perfect time to consider making a tax-deductible donation to Kids’ Chance. Please make a donation here.

Thank you in advance for your generous contributions. Your gift will literally help support a child’s future.

Kairie Pierce is Workforce Development Director for the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO. She currently serves as Vice Chair of Kids’ Chance of Washington.