Investing in our Volunteers

Each year, Up and Running Guelph volunteers contribute close to 5000 hours to help us deliver on our mission to improve mental health and well-being through inclusive, nature-based walking programs. When we first launched our programs in 2016, our small, grassroots organization relied on informal volunteer management systems. Since that time, our annual program registration has increased 274%. Recognizing that our volunteer program plays an integral part in the growth and development of our organization, we launched a new project, “Volunteers Matter''. This project serves to ensure that Up and Running Guelph will continue to meet the growing needs of our community now and into the future. We are thrilled to announce that Gabriella Richardson has joined our team to take the lead on Volunteers Matter. In her role as Volunteer Program Manager, Gabriella will update our volunteer program infrastructure and create new systems for engaging our volunteers as critical components of our mission delivery.

" I am excited to join Up and Running Guelph as Volunteer Program Manager. Volunteering contributes to individual growth, and happiness, and has the power to transform lives and communities. I am looking forward to drawing on my experience in managing international community projects and my strong research interests in anthropology to create new systems to support our volunteer team.” Gabriella Richardson, Volunteer Program Manager | Up and Running Guelph

Gabriella Richardson, Volunteer Program Manager

Volunteers Matter is funded by the Government of Canada’s Community Services Recovery Fund.

“I am continually impressed by the passion, dedication, and creativity of community service organizations, like Up and Running Guelph. I am equally proud the Government of Canada has supported their important work through the Community Services Recovery Fund. By investing in these organizations and their projects we can help to create a more just and equitable society, where everyone has opportunities to succeed. I look forward to seeing the positive impact of this investment in Guelph over the years to come.” Jenna Sudds, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development 

Up and Running Guelph is proud of our Volunteers Matter project and recognizes the crucial role it plays in supporting our volunteers, who are the backbone of our organization. With the support of the Government of Canada’s Community Services Recovery Fund we can now provide them with the updated resources and training they need to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in our community. The significance of this project goes beyond just the sustainability of Up and Running Guelph. It allows us to meet the increasing needs of our community through our volunteer-driven programs. This investment has significantly enhanced our ability to make a lasting impact and enables us to continue offering valuable programs that empower our volunteers and create positive change.