Winegard Volunteer Award Winners Named
April 03, 2008 - News Release
University of Guelph political science professor Tim Mau, Ontario Veterinary College staff member Amanda Bridge and recent Guelph graduate Christopher Zweerman are the 2008 recipients of the Dr. William Winegard Exemplary Volunteer Involvement Awards.
Named after former U of G president Bill Winegard, the awards recognize members of the University community who have shown commitment to volunteering and given outstanding service to organizations in the Guelph area.
The awards were developed by the University in partnership with the United Way of Guelph and Wellington and the Volunteer Centre of Guelph/Wellington. Winners were selected from a pool of nominees by Winegard and volunteer representatives from the University, United Way and Volunteer Centre.
“Through their volunteer efforts, members of the University community play a significant role in strengthening the larger community of Guelph and Wellington County,” said Ken Dardano, executive director of the United Way of Guelph and Wellington. “These award winners are great examples of how volunteerism is making a real difference in our community.”
Mau, an assistant professor in the Department of Political Science, was honoured for being "a true believer in service above self. Through his involvement with the Guelph community, Tim shows a goodness of heart, is generous with his talents and resources and is an outstanding citizen."
Mau has volunteered with the United Way of Guelph and Wellington for 10 years, serving as a board member and chair of the fund distribution committee. He also hosted Politically Speaking, a live weekly call-in show on Rogers Television dedicated to current political affairs. A member of the Rotary Club of Guelph since 2000, he is also the inaugural president of the Guelph Youth Basketball Association.
The selection committee said Bridge "is passionate about making a difference in the community. Amanda has a strong sense of self and takes pride in being able to make a difference. Our community has greatly benefited from her commitment to helping those who are experiencing a terminal illness."
After losing her father in 2004, Bridge worked with family and friends to improve palliative care services in Guelph and Wellington County. In 2006, she and her friend Patricia Baccin created the Fathers Remembered by Daughters Fund, which supports Hospice Wellington and families in the community who are providing or require palliative care. Through her efforts to boost this fund, Bridge has contributed more than 100 hours to a fundraising golf tournament and through the "Candles for Care" program.
Zweerman, a 2007 environmental science honours graduate, was recognized for having a great impact on the community of Guelph through myriad volunteer activities. He participates in activities that assist the most vulnerable members of Guelph and increase awareness of energy conservation. He has worked with Meals on Wheels, Green Impact Guelph, Project Torchlight and the Guelph Institute for the Environment.
"Chris’s commitment to volunteerism has been matched by his academic prowess," the committee said. Zweerman hopes to attend medical school in Canada.
The three winners received original artwork created by U of G student Tori Drost that represents the concept of community. The awards were presented by Winegard; Leslie MacTaggart, a Volunteer Centre board member; and U of G president Alastair Summerlee, who is campaign chair for the United Way of Guelph and Wellington.
For media questions, contact Communications and Public Affairs: Lori Bona Hunt, 519-824-4120, Ext. 53338, l.hunt@exec.uoguelph.ca, or Deirdre Healey, Ext. 56982, d.healey@exec.uoguelph.ca.
