The Wealth of a Community: Why Guelph’s True Currency Isn’t Just Dollars
I recently had the privilege of attending a 40th Anniversary reunion gathering for past and present board members of the Children’s Foundation of Guelph and Wellington. Standing in a room filled with so many familiar faces, innovators, and advocates, it naturally had me reminiscing about my own journey with the foundation, and it got me thinking about what truly makes our city tick.
When people ask me what separates Guelph from other communities in Ontario, they usually expect me to talk about our incredible limestone architecture, the vibrant energy of downtown, or how we’ve managed to maintain that perfect “big town, small city” balance. And while all of that is true, those are just the physical traits of our city.
The real magic of Guelph? It’s our heart. We are a profoundly philanthropic community, but not just in the way most people think.
Early in my career, during my days at the Guelph Mercury, my bank account didn’t exactly allow me to write large cheques to charities. I think that’s a reality a lot of people face when they’re starting out. You want to make a difference, but you’re just trying to get your own footing.
What I quickly realized, though, was that while I couldn’t contribute financially, I had other assets: time, enthusiasm, and a bit of community knowledge.
Learning the Value of “Sweat Equity”
In my 20s, I decided to lend those exact assets to the community. I joined the media relations team for the Ontario Summer Games when they were hosted right here in Guelph, and later served on the Media Relations Committee for the Ontario Winter Games.
Those experiences weren’t just about giving back; they were masterclasses in community building. In my early 30s, the relationships and insights I gained from those games led to an invitation to join the Board of Directors for the Children’s Foundation, where I eventually served as Vice-Chairperson.
Looking back at that time during the reunion, I’ll never forget having a conversation with a well-respected community leader and fellow director years ago I was feeling a bit of that familiar imposter syndrome, knowing I couldn’t match the financial contributions of others on the board
They told me something that changed my perspective forever:
“Michael, the knowledge, time, and energy you contribute to the foundation are just as important and invaluable as the money many just write cheques for. It takes both to make a community great.”
The Two Pillars of a Great City
That single piece of advice captures the exact spirit that separates Guelph from so many other places. A truly wealthy community isn’t defined by the size of its trust funds; it’s defined by the willingness of its people to show up for one another. It takes the financial donors and the boots-on-the-ground volunteers working in tandem to move the needle.
The friendships, experience, and deep sense of local history I gained during those formative years shaped the person I am today. I count my blessings for those early days of volunteering because they laid the foundation for any success I enjoy now.
Keeping the Tradition Alive
Decades later, my role in my community has evolved, but the commitment to that philosophy hasn’t changed. I still proudly volunteer with the Children’s Foundation Adopt-A-Family program, and I frequently provide some consultation to local groups who need a bit of community knowledge and experience to help push their projects forward.
Guelph is a place where your contribution matters, no matter what form it takes. If you’re new to the area, or looking to plant deeper roots here, I can tell you first-hand: this community will give you back tenfold what you put into it.
