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Help celebrate National Volunteer Week

United Way, U of G, and the Volunteer Centre honoured three individuals from the university community
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NEWS RELEASE

VOLUNTEER CENTRE OF GUELPH/WELLINGTON

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Canada’s largest celebration of volunteers! National Volunteer Week (NVW) is an opportunity to appreciate volunteers and highlight the impact of their support. In 2017, NVW takes place Apr. 23 to Apr. 29 and honours the 12.7 million Canadians who make a difference through volunteerism and civic participation.

On behalf of the Volunteer Centre, we say thank you to the thousands of volunteers who give the gifts of time, compassion, energy and more to our community.

From coaches to youth mentors, visitors to leaders, special event coordinators and more, the spirit and integral work of volunteers make an impact in the way we live, work and play.

Setting the stage of appreciation, the United Way of Guelph Wellington, the University of Guelph and the Volunteer Centre honoured three individuals from the University of Guelph community with the Dr. William Winegard Exemplary Volunteer Involvement Awards.

These individuals demonstrate significant community involvement through their many charitable activities:

  • Yousr El Sharawy, Political Science Masters student at the University of Guelph, having also completed her undergraduate degree as an international student at UofG

  • Dr. Daniel Gillis, Assistant Professor and Statistician in the School of Computer Science and the Director of the Physical Science and Engineering Education Research Centre at the University of Guelph

  • Paul Mesman, Manager, Construction Coordinator in the Department of Physical Resources at the University of Guelph

In addition to the annual ‘Caring Community Card’, an appreciation card with exclusive perks for volunteers from community minded business, the Volunteer Centre will again plant a garden in celebration of volunteers and host a travelling Volunteer Roadshow.

The Volunteer Roadshow brings organizations to Guelph high schools and kicks off the ‘Change The World Ontario Youth Volunteer Challenge’ encouraging youth, ages 14 – 18 to volunteer a minimum of three hours during the six-week challenge.

With appreciation to The Guelph Community Foundation and Ontario150 for grants funding the project, as well as the experience and wisdom of the Guelph Arts Council, the Volunteer Centre is thrilled to collaborate with selected artist, Meredith Blackmore to Celebrate 150 Years of Volunteerism, a mural project that celebrates Canada’s 150th and Guelph and Wellington County volunteers.

The project will be created during National Volunteer Week with input and involvement from volunteers. Volunteers are invited to drop in to host sites within Guelph and Wellington County and collaborate with fellow volunteers to create a lasting legacy. For a schedule of opportunities, visit here.

Rounding out National Volunteer Week is the annual Time To Give Breakfast on Apr. 28, welcoming award-winning Canadian novelist and travel writer Will Ferguson, as he explores how volunteering impacts Canadian Identity.

The event will close with the unveiling of the Volunteer Centre’s new name and logo. #ChangeIsComing For tickets, visit here.

You can also take part in celebrating volunteers during NVW. We encourage you to take advantage of this special week to recognize the volunteers in your life for their dedication and the impact they have in Guelph and Wellington. Thank a volunteer in person, or by using the hashtag #GratitudeGW.

Celebrate volunteers and Canada’s 150th; join in to initiatives such as Canada 150 for 150 Volunteer Challenge and Three Things for Canada as we continue to create a lasting legacy in our country during National Volunteer Week and beyond.

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