With the ongoing pandemic, Thrive Week, the annual event at Queen’s aimed at improving the mental health and well-being of community members, was more important than ever this year.

Held at the start of November, Thrive’s programming moved online for the first time, reaching out to staff and faculty, the majority of whom are working at home.

A total of 52 events were offered virtually, allowing for a much higher level of participation with a 60 per cent increase from previous years.

Some of the popular events included the keynote talk by Dane Jensen, an expert on strategy and leadership, CEO of Third Factor, and an instructor in the full-time MBA and Executive MBA programs at the Smith School of Business, as well the Principal’s Farm Tour, guided by Principal and Vice-Chancellor Patrick Deane himself.

“This year’s Thrive Week was a great success in the face of the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. We had great participation from the Queen’s community and that is inspiring,” says Sydney Downey, Associate Director, Return to Work & Accommodation Services, Human Resources. “A special thank you to our sponsors including Human Resources, Manulife, Homewood Health, and Baker & McKenzie, and a big thank you to those who helped facilitate the events, who hosted their own events, and all those who participated in the festivities.”

Feedback surveys have been sent out to all participants. Responses are very important and will help shape future Thrive Weeks. Responses will be randomly selected to win holiday planters donated by Grounds Manager Matt Barrett and his team in Physical Plant Services.

The Thrive Walking Challenge also drew many participants with a grand total of 2,931,991 steps being recorded, the equivalent of 1,955 km, equivalent to the distance of the Trans Canada Highway in the province of Ontario. Bragging rights for the department with the most steps went to Human Resources (465,788), followed up by Division of Student Affairs (454,354), and the Faculty of Health Sciences (390,794).

A number of contests were also held with awards being handed out:

Scavenger hunt

Winner – Sara Karn, took only six minutes to find all the items. She received a seasonal planter.

Photo contest

1. Sarah Reese : Garmin Watch
2. Ian Sempowski : Year subscription to Headspace app
3. Curtis Gonyou: Water Bottle and Yoga Mat