Samantha Damile (left), Peer Assistant with Brock University’s Black Student Success Centre, led a hair braiding workshop during Wellness Day on Monday, June 22. Damile demonstrates braiding techniques with Talent Partnership Consultant Shakir McCoy and his daughter, Zola.From painting to pickleball and nature walks to swimming, there was something for everyone at Brock University’s 24th annual Wellness Day.
More than 600 Brock employees stepped away from their regular routines on Monday, June 22 to celebrate community along with physical and mental wellness.
Gathering to live music and coffee in the Rankin Family Pavilion, the day began with a Land Acknowledgement delivered by Labour and Employment Relations Advisor Jessica Foster, followed by opening remarks by President and Vice-Chancellor Lesley Rigg and Health Management and Wellness Manager Martina Ciglenecki.
President and Vice-Chancellor Lesley Rigg addresses the crowd at the opening ceremony during Brock’s Employee Wellness Day.
With more than 85 activities available on and off campus, participants immersed themselves in a day of relaxation, exploration and fun.
The staff-favourite Wellness Day Barbecue, held in collaboration with the President’s Office, brought everyone together midday for lunch. With a backdrop of live entertainment, colleagues shared stories from their morning activities and what they were looking forward to in the afternoon.
Following the day’s remaining sessions, James Iseghayan, Director of Health, Safety and Wellness, delivered a final moment of inspiration by presenting the Health, Safety and Wellness Champion Award during the closing ceremony. This year’s recipient, Containment Level 3 (CL3) Laboratory Facility Manager Larissa Barelli, has demonstrated leadership, initiative and commitment both in her research environment and as part of Brock’s Joint Health and Safety Committee.
James Iseghayan (left), Director of Health, Safety and Wellness, presented Containment Level 3 (CL3) Laboratory Facility Manager Larissa Barelli (right) with the Health, Safety and Wellness Champion Award.
“I’m so appreciative as I take safety very seriously; it’s paramount to what I do,” said Barelli. “It’s also rewarding to be involved in committees at Brock, as it reflects how important safety is to the University community.”
Wellness Day gives Brock team members the opportunity to celebrate personal health and well-being while also supporting the well-being and success of the wider University community. More than $7,000 was raised through a raffle, with proceeds donated to a non-endowed student scholarship in the name of health, safety and wellness. Winning numbers can be found on SharePoint. Non-perishable food items were also collected for the Campus Collaborative for Student Food Security, which meets monthly to share strategies and develop Brock Food4U programming.
Organized by the University’s Health, Safety and Wellness team, Wellness Day continues to foster a culture of care at Brock, with feedback from participants helping to shape future events. The team is already looking forward to celebrating the milestone 25th anniversary next year.
