Volunteer with United Way
Become a volunteer and have a positive impact in the lives of the people in your community. From event-related opportunities to administrative help, we need you.
Since 1940, United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin has been serving our community. Thanks to the generosity of thousands of volunteers, we have improved the lives of children, youth, adults, families, and seniors living in Guelph and Wellington and Dufferin County.
Volunteers Make A Difference
Now more than ever, we must show our belief in our community and work together to make incredible things possible.
- We can provide support for the hungry, homeless, and vulnerable.
- We can build strong, safe, and cohesive communities.
- We can support services to individuals and their families when they are facing personal struggles and challenges.
- We can ensure residents have access to the equipment and services they need to live healthy lives.
- We can help seniors participate fully in community life.
- We can give families the tools they need to give children a good start.
United Way Volunteer Opportunities
Are you looking for a way to get involved with your community? United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin has a variety of volunteer opportunities available during the annual campaign, ranging from event-related opportunities to administrative help.
No matter how much time you have, you can make a difference in our community! Check out the volunteer guides below with lots of ideas!
We are currently recruiting for individuals to join our Board of Directors. We welcome and encourage the broad range of experiences, skills and knowledge that applicants with diverse abilities, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, and ethnicity bring. For more information about our Board and the experience, please click here. If you are interested in applying or for more information, please contact Glenna Banda
If you’re interested in learning more about volunteering or you have some time to lend between August-December, click below to get in touch.
Funded Agency Volunteer Opportunities
If you would like to volunteer with one of our funded agencies, please click here to visit our agencies we support page or visit PIN – The People and Information Network or Volunteer Dufferin for current opportunities in the community.
Day of Caring
United Way’s Day of Caring™ seeks teams of employees to take time from their workday to volunteer at local charities. They paint rooms in shelters, stock shelves at food pantries, and create community gardens. Over the years, Sleeman, Linamar, GE Water, OMAFRA, and TransAlta have all participated with their employees to make our community a better place!
If your workplace would be interested in volunteering, please contact Emilie Mossman, at 519-821-0571 or click below to get in touch.
Winegard Awards
The Dr. William Winegard Exemplary Volunteer Involvement Awards recognize significant community involvement and charitable activities, beyond what an individual does as an employee or student of the University. Further, they recognize those activities that enrich the connection between the University of Guelph and the broader community.
Dr. William Winegard (September 17, 1924-January 31, 2019), was a Veteran, former Guelph MP, and former University of Guelph President from 1967-1975, as well as an Officer of the Order of Canada and recipient of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, Lincoln Alexander Medal of Distinguished Service, and the Lincoln Alexander Outstanding Leader Award. Dr. Winegard embodied the community spirit that is so prevalent at the University of Guelph, and it is with great honour that these volunteer involvement awards are named on his behalf.
The Winegard Awards are offered in partnership by United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin, the Volunteer Centre of Guelph/Wellington and the University of Guelph and recognize 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. Nominators can be peers, colleagues, supervisors, or organizations that benefit from the contributions of the nominee.
Winegard Award Recipients
Nominations for the 2022 Awards are now closed.
2021
- Dr. John Walsh (Faculty recipient)
- Samantha Casey (Staff recipient)
2019
- Lorraine Weir (staff recipient)
- Emily Duncan (student recipient)
2018
- Dr. Lianne Foti (faculty recipient)
- Crystal Gong (student recipient)
2017
- Dr. Daniel Gillis (faculty recipient)
- Paul Mesman (staff recipient)
- Yousr El Sharawy (student recipient)
2016
- Dr. Jon Warland (faculty recipient)
- Jordynn Klein (student recipient)
2015
- Professor Rich Moccia (faculty recipient)
- Linda Wing (staff recipient)
- Carly Labord (student recipient)
2014
- Professor Ajay Heble (faculty recipient)
- Martha Harley (staff recipient)
- Jenifer Truong (student recipient)
2013
- Professor Dr. Brad Hanna (faculty recipient)
- Jennifer Beehler (staff recipient)
- Fawn Turner (student recipient)
2012
- Professor Dr. Jim Petrik (faculty recipient)
- Brenda Whiteside (staff recipient)
- Karoline Hoy (student recipient)
2011
- Professor Cynthia Scott Dupree (faculty recipient)
- Jocelyn Wessels (staff recipient)
- Jordan Thompson (student recipient)
2010
- Barbara Leslie (faculty recipient)
- Julie Hutchins (staff recipient)
- Tin Vo (student recipient)
