After the loss of her husband Cheryl Rayfield has been working hard to make a difference in the lives of first-responders and their families.
Rayfield's husband Stephen was a volunteer firefighter for the Castor Fire Department when he died responding to a call on Feb. 4, 2022.
Since his death Rayfield has created the 9 Make a Difference movement to raise more awareness regarding the need for mental health support for both first-responders and their families.
"At the moment it is still in its infancy and we have done one Gala where we raised about $20,000," Rayfield said.
A portion of that money then went to go towards the Castor Fire Department and two members of the RCMP who were there that night, she added
"One of the recipients was the one who had to tell me about losing my husband."
The reason behind the movement's name comes from Stephen's helmet number and a saying he would always use, Rayfield said.
"Stephen was very dedicated and community-driven. His whole mission in life was about making a difference."
Right now there isn't enough support given to volunteer firefighters, Rayfield said.
"Reaching out to the first-responders who have made a difference to you and acknowledging what they do is important."
To help process her trauma Rayflied uses art.
"While doing this it has also helped in creating connections with the public. I recently took part in the Sylvan Lake CulinART show last month," Rayfield said.
Currently, paperwork is in place to get the movement registered as an Alberta Society.
For more information on Rayfield and 9 Make a Difference people can go to, www.instagram.com/ArtsRisingPhoenix, www.instagram.com/9makeadifference, or www.9MakeADifference.com.
