A wave of appreciation swept across every UHN site last week as team members celebrated the third annual Week of Gratitude.
From cookie giveaways and prizes to meaningful messages of thanks shared among colleagues, the five-day celebration was a time to spread gratitude for the over 40,000 individuals that make TeamUHN.
"Week of Gratitude is one of the most uplifting traditions at UHN," says Dr. Kevin Smith, President & CEO.
"What makes this week special is having the chance to pause, acknowledge and celebrate each and every team member. The kindness, collegiality and respect that is expressed throughout the week reflect the team culture at the heart of what makes us Canada's Hospital."
The week's celebration kicked off on Sept. 22 with a special thank-you message video from Dr. Kevin Smith. Staff, patients and family members were also invited to post notes of appreciation in-person on local gratitude boards that lined the halls at each UHN site or digitally share messages on the Week of Gratitude Kudoboard.
The common theme in every message was a true appreciation for the shared sense of pride, purpose and passion each team member brings to UHN — whether in a clinic, lab, operating room, office or classroom.
Louise Pothier, Allied Health Manager at UHN's Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, says sharing these messages is what excites her most during Week of Gratitude.
"I think it's wonderful that we take a moment to recognize each other as a team," says Louise.
"Taking the time to go around and write a short message is meaningful for many people. I see smiles around me and spirits lifted."
The cookie giveaway events, where leaders at each UHN site shared cookies with TeamUHN members, were enjoyed just as much as the heartfelt messages.
"My favorite part is definitely the cookies," says Flora Nguyen, Ophthalmic Imaging Specialist.
"Week of Gratitude is an awesome way to remind ourselves that we work with great people and we work for great reasons. I'm so proud to be part of this team."
TeamUHN members also had the opportunity to take pictures with colleagues at Week of Gratitude themed photo booths. Another highlight was the chance to sign up to win exciting prizes — including Toronto Maple Leaf Tickets and restaurant gift cards — courtesy of The UHN Foundation, The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation and Perkopolis.
While attending the cookie event at UHN's Toronto General Hospital, Daeniell Miller, Senior Manager of Operations, Clinical Research Support Systems, revelled in the team spirit felt across the room.
"I have a really great team and that's something I'm very happy about," says Daeniell.
"What makes TeamUHN special is the impact that we have on the lives of our patients, the diversity that we bring and the different perspectives in the ideas that we bring because of that diversity. Our work is impactful because it's life-changing for people here within UHN and globally."
