Guelph Volunteers Win 2013 Winegard Awards
March 28, 2013 - Campus Bulletin
Three outstanding volunteers from the University of Guelph received the 2013 William Winegard Exemplary Volunteer Involvement Awards today from the United Way of Guelph Wellington Dufferin and the Volunteer Centre of Guelph/Wellington.
Now in their seventh year, the awards highlight volunteerism by members of the U of G community. Prof. Brad Hanna, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Jennifer Beehler, administrative secretary to the chair of Geography, and Fawn Turner, a PhD student in Plant Agriculture, received their awards in a ceremony at McLaughlin Library.
They were selected from nominees by Winegard and representatives of the University, the United Way and the Volunteer Centre.
“Brad, Jennifer and Fawn show how volunteers can turn their passions into lasting contributions benefiting people and organizations in our community,” said Tania Framst, executive director of the Volunteer Centre of Guelph/Wellington.
A volunteer since 1992 with the Stanley Stick Hockey Association in Guelph, Hanna has refereed more than 1,100 games. He can still be found officiating games every Sunday, helping boys and girls develop their hockey skills, and promoting fair play, sportsmanship and a love for the game.
Beehler has volunteered for 24 years with the United Way. She led the University to raise more than $1.5 million during her three years as campaign co-chair and co-ordinates the College Idol fundraiser. She also supports the “Out of the Cold” program in Hamilton, Ont., and the Guelph Kiwanis Music Festival. Earlier as a staff member in the Ontario Veterinary College, Beehler helped run events such as the OVC Kick-Off Pub, a send-off to each year’s graduating DVM class.
Turner has volunteered with several local charities, including Habitat for Humanity and RotarAct. She mentors young girls through Big Brothers Big Sisters and helps raise funds for local charities through United Way.
“In Brad, Jennifer and Fawn, we have three dedicated volunteers with 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.”
