Retired Toronto Fire Fighters’ Association

I’m sure you have all heard the saying, “Firefighters hate two things: things always staying the same, and change.” So, as we slowly make our way out of the pandemic, where will we be? For many of us, it will be a good time for “renewal”. The dictionary defines renewal as, “An instance of resuming an activity or state after an interruption.” In our case, this is an understatement.

It seems that as we emerge, we are facing quite a different world. The aftermath of the pandemic will still be with us for some time. In some cases, the changes will be permanent. The change has been so widespread, that it has widened the gap between those still on the job and those who have recently retired. It may be even more significant to those who have been retired for some time. As our social groups begin to get together more and more, there will be a period where there will be lots of questions asked about “what’s going on?” Patience will be needed.

Sadly, some of our members have passed during this time and due to the restrictions, we weren’t able to properly celebrate their lives. For the family members, as we open back up, resuming life without their loved ones will be difficult and we hope they reach out to our fire service family for support if they need it.

For some of us, being forced to stay home for so long has caused much introspection. Introspection can be a good thing, as long as the resulting changes are carefully planned.

Instead of thinking of big change as a disruption, consider it an opportunity to recreate yourself. Use this time to explore new opportunities, relationships, and interests. With age comes wisdom and life experience, giving you the chance to create a new adventure. The pandemic has been tough on all of us. Here are a few areas to consider:

• Deal with the financial fall-out, if there is/was one. If you lost money, you may need to reassess your financial situation. No matter the outcome, review your living costs and determine your next steps. • Many of us have managed to do well during this period and finances are not on their radar. • Some may have had to take in or help family and found it difficult. • Some may now need to re-consider their pre-retirement plans. • Any members who have suffered financial hardships would be best to reach out to their financial advisors. Our Credit Union has always been there for our members when they needed help.

•You should take time to reintroduce yourself to being able to go out! Enjoy your new freedom (as weird as it will feel). Perhaps find some new hobbies or get back to your old ones. Time for a shoutout to our golf league organizers. They have all been very active in keeping the leagues going and getting our members out. • Spend time with your friends, and get used to being out again.

Consider one of the breakfast groups. There are several and one of the largest is organized by the Toronto Fire Department

Pensioners. This group meets every Wednesday. For details, send an email to the address at the end of this article. • Some of our members, especially the single ones and their families, have struggled with the restrictions and the solitude.

This can lead to depression and more health issues and may need some help from us to get back out into the world. • Consider Volunteering.

Once we get over the change, try to adopt a new perspective about your life going forward. Big life changes, even negative changes, are also huge opportunities for growth and learning.

All of our members have so much to offer the world from their decades of experience in life. Try to view your next steps as a grand adventure and proof that you are a force to be reckoned with.

Let the next decades be the best yet!

Our last words here have to go to you, the members of our TFS Family. We know it’s not over, but we had to give all of you and our retirees an honourable mention for hanging in during such adversity. The staffing issues, the positive Covid tests, the protocols, the smell of hand sanitizer were all challenging and yet you all still showed up for work to serve our public with dedication and professionalism. To all those who reached out, offered to drive our members to the supermarket, to the hospital, and even to get vaccinated, your RTFFA is proud of you. You deserve a round of applause. Thank You.

As we go forward, the RTFFA will continue to keep all of you updated on our progress. Taking the current environment into consideration, and the Delta variant, we may not be able to resume our regular membership meetings until the spring of 2022. Having said that, our membership drive is continuous. If you’re interested in becoming a member, feel free to contact us at active.retired@torontofirefighters.org.

The dues ($25.00) are payable annually on the 1st of May. Come join us, and remember to follow us on social media: On the Web - https://www.retiredtorontofirefighters.org/ On Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TFSRetirees On Twitter - @TFSRetirees Be well and stay safe.