Members of TeamUHN recognized colleagues and celebrated their contributions during the fourth annual Week of Gratitude.
The week-long initiative is an opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the people behind University Health Network's (UHN) world-class care, research and education.
From Sept. 14 to 18, teams across UHN hosted staff recognition events and shared messages of appreciation. The public was also invited to share their gratitude for TeamUHN.
"Week of Gratitude is an opportunity to recognize the people who make UHN what it is," said Dr. Kevin Smith, President and CEO of UHN.
"Every breakthrough, every learning opportunity and every patient success story is made possible by the dedication, expertise and compassion of our teams. Taking the time to thank one another reminds us that our greatest strength has always been our people."
Gratitude on display across UHN
Digital Kudoboards, physical Gratitude Boards and unique thank you cards to share messages of appreciation provided TeamUHN members an opportunity to acknowledge colleagues who have made a difference in their work or personal lives.
The messages reflected the many ways TeamUHN members support one another every day — from delivering exceptional patient care and advancing research to teaching learners and keeping operations running smoothly behind the scenes.
"It's a week to be thankful for our fellow employees and the job that we have," said TeamUHN Member Madeline Ventura.
"I'm grateful just for the work that we do helping people."
Team members also participated in a variety of appreciation events that featured UHN swag, popcorn, themed photo booths and prize giveaways — including Toronto Raptors tickets, gift cards and more, courtesy of the UHN Foundation and The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation.
The recognition and celebration extended beyond UHN's walls with the City of Toronto proclamation of Sept. 14 to 18 as UHN Week. The CN Tower was illuminated in UHN colours — blue and red — on Sept. 16.
Building a culture of appreciation
Beyond the activities themselves, Week of Gratitude serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing the contributions of colleagues across the organization.
"Whether in a clinic, lab, operating room, office or classroom, every member of TeamUHN plays an important role in driving our shared purpose forward as Canada's Hospital," said Kyla Kumar, Vice-President of Communications and Brand Strategy.
"Week of Gratitude gives us an opportunity to recognize and celebrate those at the heart of making UHN an extraordinary place to work, learn, discover and receive care."
Corey Callaghan-Stewart, another TeamUHN member, says he's also grateful for his colleagues and the opportunity to grow at UHN.
"I'm learning all the skills I can to be who I am, and then trying to help people heal," he said.
While Week of Gratitude is a dedicated time to celebrate TeamUHN, organizers hope the spirit of appreciation continues throughout the year.
Whether through a simple thank you, a note of recognition or a meaningful conversation, small acts of gratitude can have a lasting impact on colleagues, patients and families alike.
