Anu remembers when she first heard about the Children’s Foundation of Guelph and Wellington throughout the community. She remembers seeing its programs advertised in local newspapers and, with a heart for helping those in need, she was drawn to the organization.

Her first involvement volunteering with the Foundation was in 2011 when she became the Children’s Foundation Food & Friends Breakfast/Lunch Program Coordinator at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic High School, where her son was attending. She immediately saw the difference the program made in students’ lives and stayed on as the Program Coordinator for eight years, loving every moment of it. She saw how positively the program affected students on a daily basis, helping youth unlock their potential to achieve excellent results. She truly believes that Food & Friends is “bringing healthy food to hungry minds.”

Food & Friends relies on volunteers like Anu to administer the programs within the schools; their dedicated time and support makes it possible for the Program to continue reaching the children that need it most, positively impacting the lives of local students by offering access to healthy nutrition. Currently, Anu sits on the Food & Friends Committee, representing Guelph student nutrition programs and working to improve program delivery.

Impressed and moved by Food & Friends, Anu looked into the Foundation’s other programs, hopeful to become engaged in other areas of the organization. She quickly became a part of the Children’s Foundation team of elite volunteer leaders, the Sunshine Squad, advocating on behalf of the Foundation within the community and promoting its programs at community events. She also volunteers at the Foundation’s own events including the annual Around the World Gala, Fore Our Kids Golf Tournament, Trees for Tots and many third party events. No matter where the need, Anu is always willing to help with a kind smile and a generous heart, exemplifying the giving characteristics of a volunteer.

Anu says her role as a Children’s Foundation volunteer has been a humbling experience, allowing her to give back to the community in a meaningful and impactful way. It has helped her grow personally, developing a new understanding of people’s needs, right in her own community. Anu feels the Children’s Foundation is making Guelph a better place to live, and she is so happy to be a part of it.