formation’s pay it forward program

Posted by Eric Kazenbroot on June 03, 2022

Driven to be a solution in a chaotic world, Dr. Dundas founded formation to provide supportive resources for health care workers to do their jobs and feel appreciated and honoured by what they wear, by each other, and by their community.

The pandemic has caused a mental health crisis among our healthcare workers. Something as small as a thank you from a community member can turn their days around - but they deserve so much more than that.

Enter formation’s pay it forward program.

formation’s pay it forward program facilitates the purchase of a pair of scrubs for a healthcare worker. Just like finding out at the drive-through window that a kind person ahead of you has paid for your meal, a healthcare worker will be surprised when at the formation online checkout with a message that lets them know that someone has already paid for their set of scrubs.

The program allows individuals, businesses, or organizations to gift scrubs without needing to purchase their own pair - though we’re confident that even non-healthcare workers will love the products! Orders are selected at random for the gifted scrubs. A customer can also decline the gifted scrubs, putting them back into the pool for someone else to receive. The cost of the scrubs are covered by generous sponsors and by collecting and pooling small donations from customers through our website at checkout.

Our hope is that this kind gesture by community members and customers will bring a smile and moment of joy to our health care workers who have been working tirelessly on the frontlines.

We encourage all customers to consider donating to the Pay it Forward Program to support our efforts to give back to our healthcare workers. If you are interested in becoming a Pay It Forward sponsor, or to learn more about how you can make a long-term community investment in our healthcare workers, please get in touch at hello@myformation.ca.

In addition to formation’s Pay it Forward program, our website has a curated library of supportive resources that healthcare workers can access any time they need it. These resources include articles, videos and podcasts that give advice on topics such as burnout, wellness and more. Our library also has links to supportive programs for healthcare workers who need support.

If you or anyone in the healthcare industry is struggling with their mental health, please visit our library to find resources that can help.

We got this,

- the formation team

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'tis the season for giving

This holiday season, help give a healthcare worker the gift of formation scrubs! 🎁

We believe in the power of collective action, which is why we created the Pay It Forward program.

The program allows individuals, businesses, or organizations to give the gift of the scrubs, without needing to purchase a pair. Through community donations, this program facilitates the purchase of a pair of scrubs for a health care worker through anonymous donations.

Just like finding out at the drive-through window that the kind soul ahead of you has bought your meal, a health care worker will be surprised at the checkout on our website with a message that lets them know someone has already paid for their set of scrubs.

Our hope is that this kind gesture by community members and customers will bring a smile and moment of joy to our health care workers who have been working tirelessly on the frontlines.

Recognizing your commitment to supporting formation’s community of health care workers, and all that they do to keep us safe and healthy, is important to us. Without the generous contribution from sponsors like you, our Pay It Forward program would not be possible.

Have a healthy and happy holiday!

We got this,

- the formation team

5 tips for handling holiday stress

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but can also be one of the most stressful times for healthcare workers.

Healthcare does not rest during the holiday season, and as you know, work often gets busier. On top of an overloaded work schedule and increased personal commitments, we’re entering into the time of year that has shorter, darker, colder days. Now more than ever, it’s essential to take care of your mental and physical health.

These five tips can help you to manage stress during the next few weeks, and make the most of the holiday season:

1) Plan What You Can

While planning ahead is always a good idea, it’s important to remember that there are some things that are out of your control. Planning ahead can help you visualize your work shifts, holiday activities, and obligations you’ve committed. It’s okay to say no when you feel overwhelmed or overburdened, keep a calendar to help you decide which ones you will truly enjoy.

2) Be Realistic

As we enter into the season of giving, remember that you give every day in your job - your time, your care, and your patience. While giving in and outside of work can help you feel happiness, it can also lead to burnout. It's important to know your limits. Keeping a realistic approach to the season and what you can take on both personally and professionally can help you manage expectations for the winter months.

3) Make a List (& Check it Twice)

With so much going on, the last thing you want to do is lose track of time and feel overwhelmed with everything you need to accomplish. Instead of trying to remember everything you need to do, make a list (or two) and check off each task as you complete it. Making a list of professional and personal to-dos, ideas for holiday shopping, or writing down goals for the month will help you keep on top of everything.

4) Savour the Season

With so much going on, remember to take a step back away from it all and enjoy the charm of the season. Throw on a Christmas playlist, make a cup of hot chocolate, and take a walk around your neighbourhood to look at the lights.

5) Remember to Rest

The holiday season brings more stress, more work and more travel, which typically means less rest. On top of taking on extra personal obligations, it’s also the peak of cold and flu season, so its extra important to rest and take extra measures to stay healthy. Keeping active, staying hydrated, and getting enough rest will be essential for keeping your mental health and immune system strong.

Remember you are never alone, ask for help and support when you need it, and recognize the signs of burnout. Our library has multiple resources to support your mental and emotional wellness.

Give yourself the gift of mental and physical health this holiday season. We’re in this together!

We got this,

- the formation team