The Children’s Foundation of Guelph and Wellington (CFGW) presented its annual awards at the “Around the World with the Children’s Foundation” gala on Oct. 26.
CFGW officials say that in 2013, many children are living healthier and brighter lives due to support they have received through CFGW programs.
“You have no idea the impact your organization has had on me and my girls,” one mom told the organization.
“Without you my girls would never be able to have the amazing experiences they do – I thank you [for providing] some help when my world is pretty lonely. When they say it takes a village I agree and I thank you for being part of my village.”
CFGW officials say these types of success stories would not be possible without the assistance of donors and volunteers.
The Children’s Foundation recognized the following award recipients at their annual gala.
SOAR
The Southern Ontario Amazing Race (SOAR) received the Sandra Weafer Community Champion of the Year award.
The Southern Ontario Amazing Race is a third-party event organized by a dedicated team of volunteers. 2013 marked the 10th anniversary of SOAR and with that anniversary came a bold goal – to raise $100,000.
The right combination of creative ideas, dedicated and enthusiastic participants and volunteers, and a generous set of sponsors, SOAR blew that goal away by raising $144,000 for the Children’s Foundation. This result was a key factor in the success of many CFGW programs reaching new levels of community assistance.
Over its 10 years of existence SOAR has raised $600,000 for the Children’s Foundation.
SOAR is a two-day adventure competition modeled after the TV show The Amazing Race. Teams of two race around Wellington County and beyond competing in challenges of all sorts that test racers’ mental and physical strengths.
Joanne McCombie
Volunteer of the Year honours go to Joanne McCombie, whom officials say puts in an incredible amount of time on-site and throughout the year.
Balnar Management
The CFGW Corporate Sponsor of the Year is Balnar Management Ltd., which has been a long-time supporter of the Children’s Foundation – but this year in particular their support helped achieve new heights, officials say.
In July Jana Pollard, Balnar Management’s CEO, lost her battle with cancer. Pollard not only helped drive Balnar’s community involvement, she touched many lives with her vibrant and giving nature, including those she worked with at The Children’s Foundation.
Officials say the foundation is proud to recognize Balnar Management, a “caring local company that is committed to giving back to the community,” and to honour Pollard’s “great impact” on many children.
