Jennifer Barson

Through many leadership and volunteer positions in the community, Jennifer Barson has supported a variety of programs, services and initiatives in Guelph including co-producer of ‘Rhymes with Elf’, a fundraising CD of local music that has garnered thousands of dollars for Ed Video and the Guelph Youth Music Centre.

Using her vast skills and experience, Jennifer has volunteered in the Arts as Publicity Director Guelph Little Theatre, on the Board for the SharpCuts Indie Film and Music Festival as well as volunteering with the Royal City Music Productions Inc. In addition, Jennifer has shared her Marketing expertise in capacities as Marketing Committee for Moving Business Forward, Guelph Chamber of Commerce, Marketing Co-Chair for the Connect Ontario web portal project and currently member of the Resource Development and Marketing Committee for the Volunteer Centre of Guelph Wellington.

Jennifer Barson has been a member of the Volunteer Centre’s Marketing Committee for more than 10 years. In this role, she has helped advise the staff of the Centre on marketing and communications, in particular helping to craft and sustain their annual fundraising event, The Time to Give Breakfast. Christine Oldfield, Executive Director, Volunteer Centre shares “with a deep understanding and enthusiasm for the Centre combined with marketing savvy and creative brilliance, Jen helped the Centre not only promote key services but effectively convey the value of the organization to the wider community.”

A highlight for Jennifer in her role at the Volunteer Centre was the opportunity to support a 5-year project with close to 40 films created. This project was able to “develop and expand the skillsets of local filmmakers” and “allowed organizations and volunteers to tell their story”. Jennifer notes “I was so proud of people who embraced the project; it was well received and I was able to give back through my love for film”.

Jennifer’s love of film and theatre has led her to volunteer in a variety of capacities in local theatre from publicity and production to acting on stage. The ability to “explore a personal interest of mine developed into doing professional acting jobs” says Jennifer and “I was able to learn that set of skills through volunteering.”

Jennifer’s love for film and theatre rank equally as high as her love of this city “I am super passionate about Guelph; the community spirit and support” says Jennifer and when not volunteering in her community, you can find Jennifer downtown Guelph involved in city life through trivia nights, local music venues, board game cafes and of course, her kids whom she adores.

Finding and cultivating your passion is not only a gift to yourself but to others; Guelph is rich from the gifts Jennifer has shared with her community. Thank you Jennifer!