University volunteers recognized for community contributions

 Guelph, ON, March 30, 2016 – University of Guelph’s Associate Professor Dr. Jon Warland and student Jordynn Klein are the recipients of this year’s Dr. William Winegard Exemplary Volunteer Involvement Awards.

Presented by Dr. Winegard at a ceremony on Wednesday, the awards recognize the volunteer contributions of University of Guelph faculty, staff and students to community organizations in Guelph and Wellington County.

“Dr. Warland and Jordynn have shown how volunteers can turn their passions into lasting contributions benefitting people and organizations in our community,” said Christine Oldfield, executive director of the Volunteer Centre of Guelph/Wellington.

While looking for a new challenge, Dr. Warland, Associate Professor and Director of the School of Environmental Sciences, took a first-aid course with St. John Ambulance and shortly after began volunteering with the Guelph Medical First Response division.  He has now logged over 2500 volunteer hours with the organization, acting as Deputy Chief Member Services, Deputy Unit Chief and now Unit Chief.  He has been responsible for the recruitment of volunteers, completing the annual statistical report and succession planning.

Jordynn is a third-year student in the Bachelor of Arts & Sciences program.  She began volunteering in Guelph during her second week of university, as a participant in Project Serve Day, and has now contributed nearly 2200 volunteer hours.  Jordynn is currently a Peer Helper with the Wellness Education Centre, sits on the University’s 1-in-5 Mental Health Awareness Group and co-chairs the Student Wellness Advisory Committee.  In her “spare” time, Jordynn volunteers on the weekends in the emergency department at Guelph General Hospital and serves as an online crisis responder.

“Dr. Warland and Jordynn are both dedicated volunteers, recognized today for their tremendous community spirit,” said Ken Dardano, executive director of United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin. “United Way is pleased to partner with the Volunteer Centre and the University of Guelph to present these outstanding volunteers with this year’s Winegard Awards.”