CAMPAIGNSIN THE NEWSLONELINESSSENIORS
TORONTO – GenWell’s 2024 Fall GenWell Weekend campaign is underway, and we are inviting people to join our human connection movement this September 20, 21 and 22, by making us the catalyst to reach out to friends, family, neighbours, classmates or colleagues and getting connected face-to-face. With recent research from Canada’s Social Connection Survey suggesting 52% of Canadians feel lonely every week, taking action to get together is more important than ever.
GenWell Weekends are intended to give all Canadians the reminder, excuse, and permission to make plans to get connected with others face-to-face for their well-being, the well-being of others and the betterment of society. Participating in a GenWell Weekend can be as simple as having coffee with a old friend, a pizza lunch at the office or in the classroom, a neighbourhood potluck or getting family together for a board game or sporting activity. The size of your gathering and the activity does not matter. What matters is that Canadians become more conscious and intentional about the positive impact of social connections on our mental and physical well-being and take action for the benefit of all.
*** Click to watch GenWell’s Fall video ***
“Post pandemic, it has never been more important for people to build healthy connection habits and routines, and I look forward to hearing stories from across the country of people who took the initiative to get connected with friends, family, neighbours, classmates or colleagues,” said Pete Bombaci, Founder & CEO of GenWell. “Big or small, every connection counts and GenWell is excited to be building a movement where every Canadian can feel a greater sense of connection and community.”
GenWell Weekends are strategically selected weekends when research suggests people may benefit most from an opportunity to get connected with others. By rallying 40 million Canadians around the same purpose and mission, building a more connected Canada where everyone thrives, and providing them the knowledge tools to make getting connected easier, we create an occasion that can inspire everyone to connect for their own well-being or the well-being of others.
*** GenWell’s Founder & CEO, Pete Bombaci, is available for interviews
to discuss the importance of social interaction ***
Research shows that social isolation, disconnection and loneliness are on the rise in society across a range of age and social groups. Feelings of loneliness can have negative health impacts such as high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, a weakened immune system, anxiety, depression, cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s disease, and even early-onset death. Disconnection from others can also lead to polarization, anger, hate, violence and more negative societal consequences. We need increased human connection in our world more than ever before, and GenWell wants to help us all make it happen!
*** Download our GenWell Weekend Media Toolkit here ***
HOW TO JOIN THE MOVEMENT
You can join us on GenWell Weekend, this September 20-22, by registering your intention to reach out and get connected with others for your wellness or theirs. Some other tips to get involved include:
1. Recognize the importance of human connection for the health and well-being of your individuals and society.
2. Check out our digital toolkits that can help guide you with ideas and tools that can help every Canadian take action.
3. Share our social media posts with your community leading up to the GenWell Weekend.
4. Challenge yourself and your community to register their intention to get connected on GenWell Weekend at www.GenWellWeekend.org.
For more information or to connect with us online, visit https://genwellweekend.org
