Dave attended the Gala in 1996 and immediately decided he wanted to give back to the community and support an important cause by volunteering with the Guelph Wish Fund for Children. He joined the Board in 2016 and currently serves as the Chair of the organization. Dave is a member of the Executive, Finance/Fundraising and Program/Marketing Committees. He is a Plant Manager at Roctel, a division of Linamar. Dave lives in Guelph with his wife, Elsie and daughter, Quincy.
Amy Tollefson first learned about the Guelph Wish Fund for Children through Board Chair, Dave Kavanagh and wanted to become involved because actively participating in helping give back to our community is extremely rewarding work. She joined the Board in 2021 and sits on the Human Resources Committee. She is the Office Supervisor for the Skyline Group of Companies. Amy lives in Guelph, ON with her dog, Ella, and enjoys playing hockey, golf and spending time at her family cottage.
Gavin first learned about the Guelph Wish Fund for Children through a work colleague who was familiar with the Wish Fund. He wanted to become involved with our charity because he is always looking to help others live a better life. He joined the Board in 2021 is Co-Chair of the Golf Tournament Committee and is a member of the Finance Committee. Gavin works at CIBC as a Business Advisor. He lives in Guelph with his spouse, Michele, two dogs (Milo and Koda), and their cat, Rocket.
Aleem first learned about the Guelph Wish Fund for Children through a past Director, Mike Guardiero, and wanted to become involved because he wanted the opportunity to give back to the Guelph Community that has done so much for him and his family. He joined the Board in 2014 and currently serves as a member of the Program/Marketing and Governance Committees. He is a Dentist and practices at Guelph Southend Dental. Aleem lives in Guelph with his wife, Zahra.
Andrew first learned about the Guelph Wish Fund for Children through board chair Dave Kavanagh. He joined the Board in 2020 and currently serves as a board member of the Guelph Wish Fund for Children. Andrew works for Onward Manufacturing Company as a Vice President of Sales. He lives in Guelph with his wife Robyn, daughters Caitlyn and Carleigh, and dog, Penny. He is passionate about Guelph Wish Fund’s mission and is honoured to serve on the board.
Jason Di Reto learned about the Guelph Wish Fund for Children through a colleague at work and wanted to become involved to give back to the local community. He joined the Board in 2019 and currently serves as a director. Jason is a member of the Fundraising/Marketing Committee. He is an insurance broker and his current position is Vice President and Partner at Jeffery and Spence Limited. Jason lives in Guelph with his fiancée.
John first heard about the Guelph Wish Fund for Children from Ron Asselstine. Because he himself was very sick as a young child, he wanted to give back to the community in a meaningful way, so he joined the Board in 2018. He is a member of the Finance/Fundraising Committee and was the Chair of the Golf Tournament Committee up until 2021. John is a retired Bank Executive and is currently a CPA and partner in his own accounting firm – J & L Accounting Services. John lives in Waterloo with his wife, Lori, has 2 children, Courtney and Jessica, and a dog named Magic.
Kayla first learned about the Guelph Wish Fund for Children through a fellow Board member, Marni Outerbridge, and their employer, SV Law, an avid supporter of the Guelph Wish Fund for Children. Kayla wanted to become involved because she has a passion for fundraising and wished to contribute to the growth and success of an organization that improves the lives of deserving children in her hometown. Kayla was a member of the Gala committee for the past 2 years and joined the Board in 2021. She currently serves as the Chair of the Auction Committee at works at SV Law. She lives in Guelph with her partner, Ryan, and their beloved bernedoodle, Bernie. When she is not working or volunteering, Kayla enjoys travelling, hiking, photography, playing music and spending time with her friends and family.
Passionate about supporting local charities that give back to the Guelph community, and having a twin brother with special needs, Marni appreciates how a little help can go a long way. She knew that the mission of the Guelph Wish Fund for Children would be a perfect fit for her. Marni joined the Board in 2018 and is a member of the Program/Marketing and Gala Committees. Marni is a lawyer at SmithValeriote Law Firm and lives in Guelph. In her spare time she enjoys playing tennis, hiking with her dog, Ozzie, and painting.
Michael was introduced to the Guelph Wish Fund for Children through Board Chair Dave Kavanagh and was both honoured and eager to serve on the board.
Michael’s motivation and dedication to this cause are rooted in experiencing childhood cancer himself when at the age of 3, he was diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma. After having his wish granted in 2001, Michael has worked to show others how important this cause is and the immense amount of joy it can bring to families.
Michael has spoken at several Terry Fox runs across Ontario, Fundraising events, and the Canadian Cancer Society’s Summit as the survivor guest speaker.
Michael is currently 9 years cancer free and lives in Guelph with his girlfriend Cassandra and dog Ralph. He is currently working as an intermediate applications administrator for Skyjack.
In 2020, Rob joined the GWFC Board as a Director, hoping to give back to the charity that holds a special place in his heart. Rob and his family know the mission of the Guelph Wish Fund first-hand. Rob’s daughter, Holly, was born with a congenital heart defect and at the age of 3 was referred to Ron Asselstine when he happily initiated the 118th wish of the Guelph Wish Fund. Unfortunately, Holly’s medically fragile state meant that her wish to go to Walt Disney World had to be put on hold. Her sudden passing in 2008, soon before her 4th birthday, was devastating to her family. Ron assured Rob that when ready, the wish would be available as a way to provide some healing to his family. The generosity of the Guelph Wish Fund and care Holly received from SickKids in Toronto sparked Rob’s passion for fundraising leading to the creation of the Holly’s Heart Fundraiser – a family fun day to raise funds for both worthy charities. Now, a lifetime later, Rob is a professional fundraiser for the Foundation of Guelph General Hospital. Rob lives in Guelph with his wonderful wife Paula, daughter Jessie, sons Jack and Cole and his dog, Rookie.