With research from the Canadian Social Connection Survey suggesting 52% of Canadians feel lonely every week, taking action to get together is more important than ever. GenWell’s 2025 Fall GenWell Weekend campaign is inviting people to join the human connection movement September 19, 20 & 21, by making GenWell the catalyst to reach out to friends, family, neighbours, classmates or colleagues and get connected face-to-face.

Participating in a GenWell Weekend can be as simple as having coffee with an old friend, a pizza lunch at the office or in the classroom, a neighbourhood potluck or getting family together for a board game or sporting activity. The size of the gathering and the activity does not matter. What matters is that Canadians become more conscious and intentional about the positive impact of social connections on our mental and physical well-being and take action for the benefit of all.

GenWell Weekends are strategically selected weekends when research suggests people may benefit most from an opportunity to get connected with others. By rallying 41 million Canadians around the same purpose and mission, building a more connected Canada where everyone thrives, and providing them the knowledge tools to make getting connected easier, GenWell creates an occasion that can inspire everyone to connect for their own well-being or the well-being of others.

Research shows that social isolation, disconnection and loneliness are a growing concern in society across a range of ages and social groups. Feelings of loneliness can have negative health impacts such as high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, a weakened immune system, anxiety, depression, cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s disease, and even early-onset death. Disconnection from others can also lead to polarization, anger, hate, violence and more negative societal consequences. We need increased human connection in our world more than ever before, and GenWell wants to help us all make it happen!

How to join the movement
You can join in on GenWell Weekend, this September 19, 20 & 21, by registering your intention to reach out and get connected with others for your wellness or theirs.

Some other tips to get involved include:
1. Recognize the importance of human connection for the health and well-being of your individuals and society.
2. Check out the digital toolkits that can help guide you with ideas and tools that can help every Canadian take action.
3. Share the social media posts with your community leading up to the GenWell Weekend.
4. Challenge yourself and your community to register their intention to get connected on GenWell Weekend at www.GenWellWeekend.org.

Take the GenWell Weekend Challenge
For those looking to better understand GenWell’s mission or a little extra encouragement to participate, there’s the GenWell Weekend Challenge – full of many ways to enter and collect points for a chance to win awesome prizes.

  • 1 of 5 $100 Sobeys Gift Cards (1 prize each week for 5 weeks beginning August 11-17)
  • Event Weekend Prize Pack ($150 in GenWell Merchandise + $100 Sobeys Gift Card)

See Contest Rules
For more information or to connect with GenWell online, visit https://genwellweekend.org.