Announcements
Volunteer Canada is pleased to announce the appointment of four new members to our board of directors
We are delighted that Volunteer Canada has recently welcomed four new members to its Board of Directors. This exciting announcement signals the organization's ongoing commitment to supporting and promoting volunteerism across the country. As valued members of the Board, these individuals bring diverse backgrounds, unique perspectives, and a wealth of experience. We look forward to working collaboratively with them as we continue to advance Volunteer Canada's critical mission.
Adrienne O'Neill 
As Global Controller and Group Chief Accounting Officer at Manulife, Adrienne leads a global team of finance professionals responsible for Company-wide financial reporting practices and controls. She has overall accountability for accounting policy, external and internal financial reporting, expenses, global finance transformation and the enterprise’s financial planning and reporting systems. Adrienne has been with Manulife for 16 years and has held progressively senior roles in the Company’s insurance and wealth businesses. Most recently, she served as the Global Head of Investor Relations where she was the Company's primary spokesperson to the investment community and oversaw the preparation of investor communication materials. Prior to joining Manulife, Adrienne worked at KPMG in both the assurance and advisory practices.
Adrienne holds CPA, CA and CFA designations and is a graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University where she obtained an Honours BBA. Adrienne is passionate about education and was deeply involved in CPA (formerly CA) education in Ontario for many years, including serving as a Sessional Lecturer at Laurier for graduate-level accounting courses (evening sessions) and as a Seminar Leader at the CA School of Accountancy held at York University.
Adrienne was raised in Montreal and spent several years in both Calgary and Waterloo early on in her career. She has been based in Toronto since 2013 where she and her husband enjoy the vibrance of the city.
Samantha Reusch 
Sam Reusch is the current Executive Director of Apathy is Boring, a national, non-partisan organization that supports and educates youth to be active and contributing citizens in Canada's democracy. She has been active in the democracy and civic engagement space for over six years, engaging as an advocate and educator to drive investment in positive and effective engagement practices and promote equitable and innovative approaches to civic participation and engagement. She has continuously engaged a multi-sectoral network of stakeholders (including academic, civil society, private, and public) to advance new understandings of how young people contribute to change-making, volunteerism, and movement-building. Her work is rooted in the right for all citizens to have influence and access to shape our institutions and circumstances, and in the principles of democracy and of human rights for all.
Sam has contributed extensively to media commentary in Canada related to youth participation and elections, current events, policy, and democracy and has proudly published several works speaking on those issues.
Sam is also a proud Montrealer and alum of Concordia University, where she studied Anthropology, specializing in the intersection of identity, politics, and community.
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A public sector leader for more than 15 years, Ambuj Laroiya grounds his life and work in generosity and compassion.
Ambuj lives in Nova Scotia, where he works at the Halifax Regional Municipality. Ambuj holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering (2007), a CEO award (2014), Mill's award in marketing (2018), a Douglas C. MacKay award in academic excellence (2019), an MBA from Rowe School of Business at Dalhousie University (2019), and a Board Governance certification from Smith School of Business at Queen's University (2023).
In his spare time, Ambuj volunteers with United Way Halifax and Karate Nova Scotia, which keeps him educated and informed on the societal issues of health, inclusion, diversity and equity. He is also a facilitator of change, volunteering at the Canadian Centre for Vaccinology, where he was a participant in the testing of the COVID-19 vaccine. Ambuj loves to read African Nova Scotian history and learn about the First Nations Mi'kma'ki peoples of Nova Scotia.
Ambuj makes every day a new day. He believes that life is a journey where mutual learning, empathy, and kindness make us better together.
Matt Erhard 
Matt Erhard, a passionate advocate for volunteerism and community engagement, brings over two decades of leadership and governance experience to Volunteer Canada. Born in Ottawa and an alumnus of the University of Manitoba Asper School of Business, Matt currently serves as the Managing Partner of Summit Search Group, where he focuses on professional recruitment and executive search in Winnipeg and across Canada.
Matt's commitment to making a positive impact extends beyond his professional career. He has dedicated more than 20 years to volunteering in his community, firmly believing in the transformative power of volunteerism to enrich the lives of individuals and strengthen communities. His journey as a volunteer has not only allowed him to contribute to various causes but has also fostered personal growth and a profound sense of community.
"I am thrilled to welcome Ambuj, Matt, Adrienne, and Samantha to Volunteer Canada's board. Their backgrounds and valuable skills will undoubtedly benefit our organization. Their leadership and expertise will be instrumental in shaping the role of volunteerism in Canada's future, and I have no doubt that Volunteer Canada will flourish under their guidance," expressed Dr. Megan Conway, President and CEO of Volunteer Canada.
The Volunteer Canada Team is Growing!
Welcome Emily Wettlaufer, Jason Shim, and Madeline Porter!
Emily Wettlaufer - Communications and Events Coordinator 
Emily Wettlaufer is bringing her ability to create engaging narratives and love of storytelling to Volunteer Canada as our Communications and Event Coordinator. Emily recently graduated from Conestoga College with a bachelor's degree in public relations, where she obtained foundational and practical knowledge in communications and events.
Emily thrives on finding new ways to tell an organization's story and has helped non-profits around the Waterloo Region reach their audience and shape their brand. She is deeply passionate about improving her community and using her expertise to shape them for the better. Welcome Emily!
Jason Shim - Chief Technology Officer 
Jason Shim brings 18 years of experience in the digital and technology sector to Volunteer Canada. Jason has led multiple organizational digital-first strategies that bolster operations, marketing, fundraising, and program delivery.
Jason has previously served as Director of Digital Strategy and Transformation at Pathways to Education Canada, where he led technology and innovation. He led Pathways to become one of the first charities to issue tax receipts for cryptocurrency donations and co-authored the book Bitcoin and the Future of Fundraising with Anne Connelly. Jason’s passionate about helping organizations harness technology to make a difference in the world. Welcome Jason!
Madeline Porter - Associate, Skills Exchange for Good 
Madeline Porter is a new and invigorating addition to our team. We are excited for her to apply her experience in frontline service delivery and collective impact combined with knowledge of how to address complex community issues to support the Skills Exchange for Good Program.
Madeline has ten years' experience in the homelessness sector and has a Masters of Canadian and Indigenous Studies from Trent University. She started her career volunteering at an emergency shelter and has since held roles as a frontline worker, transitional housing coordinator, case manager, and homelessness system coordinator. She is deeply committed to supporting communities to end homelessness, and we are thrilled to have her experience and passion on our team. Welcome Madeline!