A look at the mental health awareness week presented by the RRC Students’ Association
By Lindsey McCormick
Red River College (RRC) has just finished celebrating THRIVE, a week that brings awareness to mental health and the importance of taking a break from school. THRIVE encourages students to take part in activities to help them relax.
Presented by the RRC Students’ Association, THRIVE encourages students to take part in various activities around the campuses to help them relax. Between Nov. 5 and Nov. 9, there was seven events, including dog therapy, laughter yoga, bike blender, a mindfulness workshop, paint night, speed friending, yoga fusion, and a wind-up party.
“One of the best events we had was dog therapy,” said Rakesh Patel, 46, a volunteer at various THRIVE events last week. “People can pet the dogs and get a peace of mind for their happiness and mental health.”
The therapy dog event brought in many of students who were seemed pretty excited to pet and play with Poncho and Trooper, two of the five service dogs that St John Ambulance brought.
Paint night was another event that a lot of people signed up for. Students followed along to the teachers’ instructions, painting a bright and colourful flower. Snacks and juice were also provided.
Here’s a look at some of the top events from this year’s THRIVE week.
Students are gathered in the Red River College Roblin Centre atrium to spend some time with St. John Ambulance therapy dogs for this year’s THRIVE event presented by the RRC Students’ Association. This Therapy dog, Trooper, is a poodle-mix who loves people and belly rubs. Photo taken Nov. 5, 2018. /Lindsey McCormick
Oliver Vesorio (right), 28, playing with Poncho, a therapy dog from St John Ambulance. Poncho came to the Red River College Roblin Centre atrium for this year’s THRIVE event presented by the RRC Students’ Association. Vesorio said he’s been stressed out with assignments, so he liked that he could take a break and pet the dogs. Photo taken Nov. 5, 2018. /Lindsey McCormick
Nicole Buffie (left), 23, petting Trooper a therapy dog from St John Ambulance. Trooper came to the Red River College Roblin Centre atrium for this year’s THRIVE event presented by the RRC Students’ Association on Nov. 5, 2018. /Lindsey McCormick
Jo Ann (right), 17, attends her first ever paint night at the Red River College Roblin Centre during this year’s THRIVE event presented by the RRC Students’ Association. “I love painting but I never find a way to do it otherwise, but I still love it and it’s one of my favourite hobbies. It’s good to incorporate the creative side and get away from school once in a while,” Jo Ann said on Nov. 7, 2018. /Lindsey McCormick
People are gathered at the the Red River College Roblin Centre for paint night, one of the many put on by the RRC Students’ Association for THRIVE week. Attendees are following the teachers’ instructions, as they continue adding colour. This event was a big success, the room was packed on Nov. 7, 2018. /Lindsey McCormick
Rakesh Patel, 46, is taking the nursing program at Red River College and volunteered for THRIVE this week at Red River College presented by the RRC Students’ Association. “This entire week has helped students thrive and help them realize how important mental health is,” said Patel. “Distorted thinking and our attitude is important for concentrating your efforts. You feel more composed.” Photo taken Nov. 9, 2018. /Lindsey McCormick
After a full week of events presented by the RRC Students’ Association for THRIVE week. The event concluded with a wind-up party. Students gathered in The Cave Lounge at the Notre Dame Campus and celebrated with coffee, tea, and desserts on Nov. 9, 2018. /Lindsey McCormick
Free wellness kits were being offered by the THRIVE volunteers in The Cave Lounge at the Notre Dame Campus on Nov. 9, 2018. /Lindsey McCormick
