Congratulations to the 2019 Dr. Winegard Award Winners!
The Honourable Dr. William Winegard (September 17, 1924 – January 31, 2019) University of Guelph President 1967-1975, embodied the community spirit that is so prevalent at the University of Guelph. The Dr. William Winegard Exemplary Volunteer Involvement Awards are in celebration and honour of Dr. Winegard and named on his behalf.
Recognizing the contributions of current University of Guelph staff, students and faculty who volunteer with non-profit and/or charitable organizations or activities in our community, the 2019 award recipients include Emily Duncan and Lorraine Weir.
Emily Duncan is pursuing a Ph.D. in the department of Geography, Environment studying how new digital agricultural technologies are impacting global food security and sustainability. Combining her love of cooking, gardening, and community building, Emily has volunteered with the Guelph Tool Library (GTL) for two years. In her role as a coordinator, she recruits and trains volunteers, manages finances, and assists with the multiple programs and projects of the GTL. Emily also volunteers with CFRU 93.3 – the campus and community radio station, and is a leader in a student organization that she co-founded – the Guelph Agri-food Network.
“To me volunteering has helped me find community in Guelph and really made it feel like home” says Emily, “I love getting to meet new people all the time with GTL and share in their joy as I help them to borrow the tools they need for a special project or help them to get items fixed at our Repair Cafes.”
Emily continues “volunteering with the Guelph Tool Library makes me feel as though I am making a meaningful impact towards fighting climate change by reducing consumption and waste in our community through building a sharing economy. Winning this award is meaningful to me because I hope it will help more people learn about GTL and inspire them to get involved in our community.“
Lorraine Weir works in Laboratory Services at the University of Guelph and is currently completing a BA in English with a minor in Creative Writing. Over the years, Lorraine Weir has volunteered in a wide variety of roles in many organizations, including Equine Guelph; the Elora Centre for the Arts; the River Run Centre; the Enabling Garden Project; the Toronto International Film Festival; the Friends of the Guelph Public Library Annual Book Sale; and the University of Guelph Library Writers Workshop.
Currently she is volunteering with [email protected], both as a champion and as a member of the Programing Committee at the University of Guelph. Lorraine volunteers her time to organize and initiate new wellness programs at the University for faculty and staff.
Lorraine’s passion for the literary arts shines as a volunteer with the Vocamus Writers Community through her support as Director of Finance on the Board of Directors. Lorraine brings humour, infectious enthusiasm, and a willingness to serve everywhere she volunteers.
“I volunteer.” “Go find a community project and get involved. Keep open minded, learn new skills, teach your talents to others, and feel good through participation.”
