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Thrive Week, the annual event at Queen’s aimed at improving mental health and well-being is being held remotely this year due to COVID-19, but will once again highlight the resources that are available to all community members.

Starting Monday, Nov. 2, Queen’s Human Resources will be hosting a series of informative, helpful, and fun events.

This year’s events are all offered online, which also provides the benefit of allowing more people to participate without the capacity limitations of in-person events.

Connecting the Queen’s community is more important than ever.

“While many of us are working remotely and separated by location, Thrive is a great opportunity to help build community ties,” says Steve Millan, Associate Vice-Principal (Human Resources). “Our mental health and well-being are more of a priority than ever.  We have organized a great list of fun, informative, and interactive events that will get us all thinking more about the skills and resources we require to thrive throughout the year.”

One such event is ‘One Thousand Cranes for Hope,’ which has a goal of creating paper cranes through origami and displaying them on campus, creating a connection.

According to Japanese legend, anyone who folds 1,000 paper cranes will be granted a wish by the gods. Cranes symbolize peace, good health, longevity, and healing.

“The pandemic has transformed our campus community in unprecedented ways leaving many people feeling disconnected and isolated,” says Sydney Downey, Associate Director, Return to Work & Accommodation Services, Human Resources. “This project is meant to reunite those working remotely with our physical campus space and the employees who continue to work from campus. We are aiming to create a collective visual symbol of hope on campus and invite all Queen’s community members to donate their time in the folding of a crane, or a few, for this project.”

Any paper can be used and cranes can be deposited in a number of drop boxes located at: Mackintosh-Corry Hall; Mitchell Hall; Botterell Hall; 381 Mowat St. (Kingston West); 104 Valroma Place (Kingston East); 2901 Forest Rd., Harrowsmith.

This year’s keynote speaker is 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. In addition to his corporate work, Jensen works to enhance the competitiveness of Canadian athletes in international competition, working extensively with the Canadian Paralympic Committee, and Canadian Sport Institute Ontario. He also leads Smith’s relationship with Right To Play, supporting the development of over 15,000 managers and volunteer coaches.

Another fun event will have Principal and Vice-Chancellor Patrick Deane leading viewers on a guided tour of his farm, introducing the various animals that inhabit the grounds.

Visit the  to view and register for events. 

Other support resources for the Queen’s community and their family members can be found through the , provided by Homewood Health.

The benefits program for Queen’s staff and faculty recently moved to Manulife.  Information about the provider and program can be found on the .