Category: Try Not to Smile

Notable athletes, artists, musicians and others have volunteered to release videos as part of a series urging Ontarians to stay home.

Carol Scrivener, who performs as Carolina Jack, wrote “We’re Gonna Be Okay” to help people stay strong and keep fighting COVID-19.

Dr. Michael Gallea hasn’t been able to hug his mother since the start of the pandemic, but got to touch her shoulder when giving her the shot.

Sophie George has raised nearly $2,000 for the Ottawa Hospital Foundation by baking and selling delicious treats

The staff at the Saul and Claribel Simkin Centre organize a parade each time one of their residents recovers from COVID-19 and returns home. The parades have become something of a tradition that allow staff and family members to celebrate, boosting morale.

Richard Reid fell ill in March and was cared for by Trillium Health Partners. In this video, he gets to thank the staff who helped him survive.

A new city-wide public education campaign targets 18 - 40 year olds, urging them to remain vigilant despite COVID fatigue.

November 13 is recognized across the world as a day to highlight good deeds and celebrate the power of kindness.

A pilot project at The Ottawa Hospital, the Virtual Pet Therapy Program is where volunteers bring a tablet attached to a specially adapted IV pole into patient rooms so they can interact with therapy dogs, bringing comfort and joy to those who are isolated.

Once again, his message has been transformed into a stop-motion LEGO video by Tyler Walsh of Winnipeg.

Four health care workers at the Mississauga hospital have taken up playing the piano, replacing volunteers who can’t enter the facility due to the pandemic.

All proceeds from the new children's book “Patty and the Pandemic” by Nicole Crimi will go to charity.

The community choir of women physicians from the GTA went viral in April with a virtual performance of Leon Dubinsky's "Rise Again".

Hannah Crouse’s efforts have alleviated pandemic-related loneliness and built friendships between older and younger people.

An annual CHEO fundraiser in support of Childhood Cancer Awareness month, this year participants are encouraged to film and upload a video of themselves cutting their own hair.

The University of Toronto invited notable figures from medicine and entertainment to drop into their virtual orientation facilities, including Dr. Anthony Fauci, Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health Dr. Eileen de Villa, and rapper Sean Paul.

The biggest increase of positive cases over the last two months in B.C. are in people aged 20 - 39. Vancouver’s health authority has launched a new campaign to combat this, including TikTok videos.

A local grade 4 student heard that residents at St. Martha’s Place were feeling lonely during the pandemic, so she started visiting and making them flowers for their solarium window.

Staff members at their respective care homes helped Harry and Arlie Beckstead celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary together, even with pandemic precautions in place.

The concept originated in the UK and has been taken up by artists from across Newfoundland and Labrador, who are creating images of health workers and others whose labour is essential.

11-year-old Alex Pound is using his 3D printer to make and then donate ear protectors for frontline workers who have to wear a mask all day.

The London Symphonia Brass Quintet took their show on the road to play for staff and patients at two local hospitals and a long-term care home.

Featuring landscape prints selected by the artist, Darlene Kulig, these Canadian-sourced masks are designed to mimic a smile and intended to evoke happiness. A portion of each sale is going to The Craig Kulig Memorial Fund to help fund cancer research at the Ottawa Hospital.

The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board set up the #ThankYouFromOCDSB campaign to offer support and encouragement to front-line workers fighting COVID-19 in their community.

The gallery created the exhibit as part of its Creative Wellness partnership with the Ottawa Hospital.