University of Guelph professor Rich Moccia, Linda Wing and student Carly Labord are the recipients of this year’s Dr. William Winegard Exemplary Volunteer Involvement Awards.
The awards are presented through a partnership between the university, United Way of Guelph and Wellington, and the Volunteer Centre of Guelph/Wellington.
Presented at a ceremony on March 26 by Dr. Winegard, the awards recognize the volunteer contributions of University of Guelph faculty, staff and students to community organizations in Guelph and Wellington County.
“Rich, Linda and Carly have shown how volunteers can turn their passions into lasting contributions benefitting people and organizations in our community,” said volunteer centre executive director Christine Oldfield.
Moccia has volunteered with many organizations over the past 30 years. Most recently, he chaired the University of Guelph’s United Way campaign, and also volunteers as a trail captain and sawyer for the Bruce Trail, facilitates scuba diving experiences at Camp Quality (a camp for children with cancer), and has volunteered as a coach/manager for more than 30 hockey and baseball teams.
Wing enjoys working with youth, including time with agencies such as 4-H Wellington County, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Centre Wellington and the Fergus Agricultural Society.
Labord is committed to making Guelph a more accessible place for students and community members alike, as well as improving community engagement and volunteerism.
She contributes several hours of volunteer time weekly to CNIB, the university’s student accessibility services department and the volunteer centre.
“Rich, Linda and Carly are three dedicated volunteers, recognized … 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.”
