U of G Volunteers Earn Winegard Awards
March 29, 2012 - Campus Bulletin
Three outstanding volunteers from the University of Guelph received 2012 Dr. William Winegard Exemplary Volunteer Involvement Awards today from the United Way of Guelph and Wellington and the Volunteer Centre of Guelph/Wellington.
Now in their sixth year, the awards highlight volunteerism by members of the U of G community.
Award recipients are Prof. Jim Petrik, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College; Brenda Whiteside, associate vice-president (student affairs); and Karoline Hoy, a fourth-year human nutrition student.
They were selected from a pool of nominees by Winegard and representatives of the University, the United Way and the Volunteer Centre.
“Jim, Brenda and Karoline are dedicated volunteers who demonstrate how members of the University community turn their passions into lasting contributions for people and organizations in Guelph and Wellington,” said Cathy Taylor, executive director of the Volunteer Centre of Guelph/Wellington.
Ken Dardano, executive director of the United Way of Guelph and Wellington, added: “We’re pleased to partner with the University of Guelph and the Volunteer Centre of Guelph/Wellington in presenting the Winegard awards. These awards highlight the real and meaningful contributions of University faculty, staff and students to our community.”
Petrik, an expert in ovarian cancer, often speaks to cancer survivor groups and at events in support of cancer research. He is also a 12-year volunteer firefighter who now works with Guelph-Eramosa Fire and Rescue and provides training in emergency response and first aid. He also volunteers as a youth soccer coach and Scout leader.
Whiteside was recognized for her many community volunteer activities, including helping Guelph Youth Soccer and serving on the boards of the Downtown Guelph Business Association, the Katimavik Youth Program, YMCA-YWCA of Guelph and the Guelph Community Health Centre. She is also involved with the Guelph Trillium Rotary Club.
Hoy’s numerous volunteer activities include mentoring with Big Brothers Big Sisters and conducting dietary assessments with new and expecting mothers through the Wellington Dufferin Guelph Public Health Unit. She also co-coordinates a school-based breakfast program for students facing economic hardship and coached youth track and field.
The awards are presented before National Volunteer Week April 15 to 21.
