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Earlier this spring, applications opened for the BeWell Grant – a one-year pilot program from Human Resources that provides funding to support small-scale workplace wellbeing activities and projects. In total, 43 applications were received and reviewed by a diverse selection committee featuring both staff and faculty. Of those applications, 21 were successful in their funding request. Funding ranges from $250 to $5,000 and includes a number of collaborative cross-campus wellness initiatives set to launch later this year.

“I want to thank all applicants for taking the time to put together such thoughtful and innovative initiatives aimed at improving our workplace wellbeing,” says Sydney Downey, Director, Employee Wellness Services. “Our selection committee faced the incredibly difficult task of narrowing down the funding to only 21 applicants and this truly reflects the quality and enthusiasm behind each submission.”

Some of the successful initiatives that are moving ahead as early as August and highlighted below include $5 Fridays for a limited time, Agnes Waterways Experiential Learning, and a Ribbon Skirt Workshop. Other successful initiatives will be featured on the BeWell Grant page and, where applicable, included in the Thrive 365 events calendar. 

$5 Fridays 

In collaboration with Human Resources and Hospitality Services, $5 Fridays are returning for a limited time in August. Based on overwhelming employee feedback, this BeWell Grant was submitted to provide more opportunities for affordable meals and social connection on campus. Queen’s employees are invited to gather and connect for $5 BBQ meals served outside of Mackintosh-Corry Hall. Picnic tables will be accessible nearby for outdoor dining. In the event of rain, service will be moved inside. Menus will be updated for every event and will include vegan and vegetarian options. Dates and times include: 

• Friday, Aug. 9, from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. . 
• Friday, Aug. 16, from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. .
• Friday, Aug. 23, from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. .

Employees are asked to register online to guarantee their spot. They will be required to show proof of registration along with their employee ID to obtain the $5 BBQ meal. This is a cashless event with debit, credit, or flex dollars accepted. 

$5 Fridays are made possible through the BeWell Grant funding and help to address results from the Employee Experiences Survey as well as consultative feedback from the Queen’s community on employee wellbeing. It aligns with several pillars outlined in the Campus Wellbeing Framework including belonging and social connection, personal wellbeing, and places. 

Agnes Waterways Experiential Learning 

In order to continue to inspire new programming and explore new forms of institutional practices that propel a vision of being “good hosts” forward, Agnes Etherington Art Centre is introducing a new team-building initiative that focuses on a commitment to decolonial practices. Grounded in the lakes on which we operate, the team at Agnes will kayak along the shores of Lake Ontario and celebrate Kingston as a place of passage and gathering. This new experiential learning is intended to inspire new programming at Agnes while also propelling the team forward to become better leaders and stewards in the arts community. 

Agnes Waterways Experiential Learning initiative is made possible through the BeWell Grant funding and aligns with several pillars outlined in the Campus Wellbeing Framework including culture, belonging and social connection, and personal wellbeing.

Ribbon Skirt Workshop

The Ribbon Skirt is more than a piece of clothing; it signifies a personal reclamation of identity worn with pride and strength. The skirts are sewn with colourful ribbons and embellished with symbolic designs that are typically tied to ancestry, community, and spirituality. They represent a journey of healing, reclaiming identity, resilience, and survival. Ribbon skirts are typically worn for special occasions including ceremonies, weddings, graduations, and other important life events. 

In order to facilitate spiritual healing and strengthen connections and relationships, the Four Directions team will participate in a Ribbon Skirt Workshop. The one-day workshop will result in the creation of Ribbon Skirts for all team members that can be worn to special events and ceremonies on campus where Four Directions staff are represented. 

The Ribbon Skirt Workshop is made possible through the BeWell Grant funding and aligns with several pillars outlined in the Campus Wellbeing Framework including belonging and social connection and personal wellbeing.