[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/soulfoodfair.jpg” caption=”Soul Food Fair logo”]While Hamilton recuperates from winter's snowy grip, McMaster will thaw out at the fifth annual Soul Food Fair on Thursday, Jan. 29.

With the theme, “Absolutely Inspiring”, this one-day event celebrates spiritual and physical health and well-being, through workshops, lectures, musical performances, and an exhibit fair. The events start at 10 a.m. with the exhibit fair. There will also be workshops in the Museum of Art and the McMaster University Student Centre Banquet Centre, Rm. 319.

Organized by the Soul Food Organizing Committee, chaired by ecumenical chaplain Carol Wood, the fair brings together McMaster departments, community partners and private practitioners of various complimentary therapies with an aim to inform and demonstrate to students and employees the importance of the need to nourish, not just the body but the mind and spirit. There will be free workshops, prizes, samples and free hands-on mini-treatments. Hospitality Services will donate free hot chocolate.

“Humour has long been recognized as a stress reliever in everyday life with positive, physical and mental health benefits by helping to keeping things in perspective,” says Jane Radix, health education co-ordinator with Student Health Services. “In fact, it has been shown to improve clarity of thinking as well as improving our productivity. Thanks to the sponsorship provide by “Working @ McMaster” you can experience the benefits of laughter with a free 'humour break' with Mike Moore at 4:30 p.m. in the University Centre lobby.”

For a complete listing of the workshop locations and the participating exhibitors visit http://csd.mcmaster.ca/soulfood. Pre-registration for the workshops is encouraged. Call or e-mail Tara Elston at ext. 23192 or elstont@mcmaster.ca.

The SOULFOOD Organizing Committee members include Athletics and Recreation, Campus Health Centre, Centre for Student Development, Chaplaincy Centre, International Students Office, Museum of Art.