500 Boots Challenge: Karen’s Story
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When we first met Karen, she had just arrived in Vancouver from Ontario, looking for a new adventure after the pandemic. Having worked with temp agencies before, she knew that it was an employment option that suited her.
“The first thing I did was call EMBERS,” she recalls. “I did the registration, got my WHMIS certification with them, and was on a site within a week.” From general labor to cleaning, Karen quickly felt supported and welcomed by the EMBERS team. She was struck by the care put into our clients’ experience, saying, “The registration process was so informative, and you could feel the genuine care in every step.”
Overcoming Barriers and Finding the Right Fit
Karen’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Living with a chronic illness has made it difficult to find work with flexible hours, and moving to a new city added an extra layer of complexity. “If I have a flare-up and need time off, most employers wouldn’t accept that,” she explains. “But with EMBERS, I have a full-time job any day I want it, and they support me through everything.” This flexibility has allowed Karen to work on various sites and broaden her skills.
After inquiring about further training with our team, she even earned her Traffic Control Person (TCP) license—a major milestone she’s proud of. “I was terrified at first,” she laughs. “But EMBERS made sure it was a smooth experience, finding a site where I could grow comfortably.” She has been working as a TCP ever since.
“I’ve found a new career that I absolutely enjoy. It’s not easy, I’m in the elements on a daily basis. But the people that I meet and get to work with, and what I learn daily, makes it all worth it.”
Equipping Workers for Success
When Karen first started, like many new workers, she didn’t have all the gear required. “It’s heartbreaking when you want to work but can’t afford the equipment,” she says. “EMBERS provided everything I needed: boots, rain gear, gloves, hard hat—everything.” For Karen, having the right gear gave her the confidence to step onto job sites ready to succeed. “It’s the best start anyone could ask for, being fully equipped for the job,” she shares.
The Importance of the 500 Boot Challenge
Karen sees firsthand how critical it is for new workers, especially women, to have the right gear. “Since I’ve started working in Vancouver, I’ve seen so many women entering construction. But we need women’s sizes in gear like boots and rain jackets,” she explains. For Karen, the 500 Boot Challenge is about making sure every worker can walk onto a site confidently and safely. “Boots are the most vital part of construction work and often the most expensive. I hope people will give generously so everyone who needs a chance can get it.”
Advice for others
Karen encourages others facing similar challenges to stay hopeful: “Finding a job is a full-time job itself. Don’t give up on yourself, and don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t.”
For Karen, her journey is just beginning, and she’s grateful for the chance to rebuild her life through meaningful work.
“Personally, EMBERS allowed me to explore hidden talents that I didn’t even know I had. They’re like my employment safety blanket. They invested in me, as I invest in them.”