City of Windsor and Downtown Core Partners Kick Off Wellness Wednesdays by Showing Sole!
Wellness Wednesdays are back!
The City of Windsor and Canadian Mental Health Association, along with supporters from Caesars Windsor, University of Windsor, St. Clair College, Windsor Police Service, Windsor Fire and Rescue Services, Windsor Public Library and the downtown financial banking institutions, proudly kicked off the “Sole Focus” 2023 Wellness Wednesday initiative this week.
To mark the official kick-off for 2023, participants were encouraged to wear teal green clothing as part of the Canadian Mental Health Association, Windsor-Essex County Branch’s (CMHA-WECB) ongoing Sole Focus Project.
Walking on Wellness Wednesdays started seven years ago to encourage employees of Caesars Windsor and the City of Windsor to take a healthy fitness break during their workday. Our numbers have grown each year, and we’re happy to welcome more partners than ever for 2023 as we continue the weekly one-kilometre walks each Wednesday throughout the month of May.
“Being outdoors socializing with friends and co-workers is some of the best medicine for our mental wellness,” said Dr. Sonja Grbevski, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), CMHA-WECB. “The Canadian Mental Health Association, Windsor-Essex County Branch (CMHA-WECB) is pleased to be part of Wellness Wednesdays, where we enjoy both the mental and physical benefits.””
“The health and wellbeing of our City staff is an important component to our success, and we know that physical and mental health go hand-in-hand,” said Ward 3 Councillor Renaldo Agostino. “Knowing that one in five Canadians will personally experience a mental illness during their lifetime, we are proud to take a stand for mental health in support of the Sole Focus Project and to bring much needed awareness and education about mental health to our employees and our community.”
“Caesars Windsor is proud to walk with our community to take a stand for mental health through Wellness Wednesdays,” said Kevin Laforet, President, Caesars Windsor. “These walks give us the opportunity to promote mental health education, awareness, and support for our employees.”
"On this one day of the year, the Saints will happily trade in the school colours of green and gold to don some teal in support of the essential – often the life-saving – services of the Canadian Mental Health Association," said St. Clair College President Patti France.
“Windsor Fire and Rescue Services is excited to join the Wellness Downtown Core Partnership to recognize the importance of mental health and wellness,” said Windsor Fire and Rescue Chief Stephen Laforet. “We are proud to support the Sole Focus Project along with CMHA, celebrating mental health in Windsor-Essex.”
“The Windsor Police Service is proud to participate in this community-wide initiative to encourage healthier, more active lifestyles,” said Jason Bellaire, Chief of Police, Windsor Police Service. “Mental health challenges can impact anyone, including police officers, and we all have a role to play to spread awareness and help those around us get the support they need to truly heal.”
May 1 to 7, 2023, is Mental Health Week in Canada.