The Society’s Wellness Fair, held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at the Society Office on Yonge Street, brought together 45 members from many Society locals for a full day dedicated to health, safety, and personal well-being. The event offered a mix of expert-led sessions, practical demonstrations, and opportunities for members to relax, learn, and connect.
After registration and a healthy breakfast, Principal Officer Ralph Chatoor opened the event with a welcome, safety moment, and land acknowledgment, setting a thoughtful and inclusive tone for the day.
The Keynote Address was delivered by Dr. Moody, Chief Prevention Officer and Assistant Deputy Minister, who spoke on the importance of prevention-focused workplace health strategies and fostering a culture of safety and care.
Peter Becker from the Sutherland-Chan School of Massage Therapy followed with an engaging presentation on massage therapy—highlighting its role in stress reduction, muscle recovery, and improving overall wellness.
Tanya Hickey then explored the concept of Psychological Safety, emphasizing the importance of environments where individuals feel safe to express themselves, raise concerns, and collaborate effectively without fear of negative consequences.
After a short break, Rob Mitchell led an informative session on Noise, examining how workplace noise exposure affects concentration, hearing, and long-term health, along with strategies for mitigation.
Before lunch, Dr. Kate Whimster from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) presented Food as Medicine, exploring how nutrition can prevent disease, boost energy, and support physical and mental health.
The afternoon began with Ebenezer Opoku-Ware, who provided two practical sessions on Infectious Diseases and Ergonomics. His talks covered effective hygiene practices, disease prevention, and how proper workstation setup can prevent strain and injury.
Dr. Whimster returned for the closing presentation, Sleep Hygiene: Naturopathic Tips for a Better Night’s Sleep, offering evidence-based strategies to improve rest, balance hormones, and support overall wellness.
Throughout the day, members also enjoyed breakout massage sessions provided by students from the Sutherland-Chan School, a highlight that gave participants a hands-on experience of relaxation and rejuvenation.
The day concluded with a wrap-up session led by Principal Officer Ralph Chatoor, who thanked all presenters and participants for their engagement and commitment to wellness.
Overall, the Wellness Fair was a resounding success—bringing members from across the Society together to learn, share, and take practical steps toward a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.
A special thank you to the Society’s Health and Safety Advisory Committee who organized the event members include Rob Mitchell, Morgan Koch, Kevin Schmidt, Tanner Whyte and Steve Kasbaum.
Dr. Joel Moody, Chief Prevention Officer / Assistant Deputy Minister (center) with Rob Mitchell (Health and Safety Advisory Committee) along with participants