The Heart of GNAG: a community built by volunteers
Some past and current board members. From left, front to back: Mary Lovelace, Mary Tsai, Kate McCartney, Christine McAllister, Pascale Pergant, John Richardson, Suzanne McCarthy, Cathy McCallion, Sarah Wilson, Elspeth Tory, Sheri Segal Glick, Liz Izaguirre, Christy Oliver, Megan Malloy, Sally Coutts, Hannah Reid, Ian Nicol, Lynn Barlow, James Meloche, Geoff Kellow and Brad Sigouin.
GNAG is the heart of the community!
Photos: Armand Tsai
The Heart of GNAG: a community built by volunteers
by Mary Tsai
Organizations like the Glebe Neighbourhood Activities Group (GNAG) thrive because of the generosity of volunteers who bring its mission to life. But volunteering isn’t just about giving back – it’s about learning, forming lifelong friendships and being part of something bigger. I’ve experienced firsthand how GNAG fosters meaningful connections and strengthens our community. Volunteering has shown me that when we give our time, we also grow and become part of a greater purpose.
Why We Volunteer
For many, volunteering with GNAG becomes more than an act of service, it becomes a way of life.
Clare Pearson, a former board member, moved from England with two young children and knew no one. “GNAG was a welcoming family away from home,” she says. Over the years, she helped with fundraisers, events and even coached GNAG soccer, learning that British terms like “pitch” for “field” weren’t always interchangeable!
For Megan Malloy, a simple request from a daycare parent sparked more than a decade of volunteering. “That moment changed everything,” she recalls. “Through the board, Taste in the Glebe and Snowflake Special, I met lifelong friends. The laughter, teamwork and camaraderie made every event unforgettable.”
Elspeth Tory got involved when a neighbour asked if she’d be board secretary. “She promised it was fun, and thankfully, she wasn’t lying,” she jokes. “Later, as chair, I helped navigate COVID and find a new executive director. GNAG is the core of our community – giving back felt especially important.”
Youth Volunteers: The Next Generation
Each year, GNAG recruits young volunteers to support programs like summer camps and after-school care. They also contribute countless hours to fundraisers and events.
GNAG partnered with the Ottawa Youth Services Bureau to raise awareness and funds for homeless youth through their sleep-out initiative, an inspiring example of youth helping youth. Watching these teens work together is a testament to community spirit.
Maggie Wightman started as a participant and later became a dedicated volunteer. “It gave me experience, something fun to do, and led me to helping with GNAG Theatre and Taste in the Glebe.” Now a GNAG staff member, she helps create meaningful experiences for new volunteers.
Megan Stahl joined through GNAG’s Leadership program. “At first, I volunteered because my friends did,” she says. “But I soon realized it was more than just a way to connect, it became my way of giving back. GNAG became a second home.” She adds, “My most memorable moment? Meeting my now fiancé. GNAG was a huge part of both our lives.”
A Legacy of Giving
Mary Lovelace, a former board member and staffer, grew up believing that giving back is essential. “Volunteering at GNAG brought me joy, challenges and adventures,” she says. “I loved seeing kids grow up in our programs and return as volunteers themselves.”
Jennie Aliman, a former GNAG chair, moved to the Glebe in 1987 and quickly got involved. “Our kids attended programs, worked at the community centre, and we all participated in events like the Craft Fair and Lobsterfest,” she shares. “Being on the board allowed us to shape programs that responded to community needs – it was exciting, creative and empowering.”
GNAG staffer Clare Davidson Rogers first connected with GNAG more than 30 years ago when she and her son Nathan attended playgroup. Grateful for the welcoming community, she soon became a volunteer. “One of the best things I ever did was join playgroup. It brought me friends, a job, a community and helped me feel I wasn’t alone as a new parent.” Today, Clare plays a vital role in coordinating GNAG volunteers.
More Than Just Volunteering
GNAG isn’t just an organization, it’s also a network of neighbours turned friends, a place where people of all ages come together to create something special.
As Eleanor Crowder, GNAG’s theatre director, puts it: “Volunteerism keeps the heart beating in a community. It’s how you meet your neighbours, how you live the full life of your neighbourhood.”
Thinking of getting involved? Just ask any GNAG volunteer – they’ll tell you it’s one of the most rewarding things you’ll ever do. Visit GNAG.ca/volunteer to learn more.
More Than a Party: We Are Celebrating You
Saturday, May 31 is the date for GNAG’s 50th anniversary celebration. The event features a street party, decades display, entertainment, music, refreshments, games and activities for children. In the evening, the celebration continues with a party featuring Juno award winner KellyLee Evans.
This isn’t just a celebration of GNAG’s history, it’s a thank you to everyone who has shaped this special organization. GNAG brings people together, and we look forward to celebrating you!
50 Memorable Moments
There are countless inspiring stories behind why we get involved with GNAG. Visit GNAG’s social media to explore heartfelt memories and photos from our community.
Have a special GNAG moment to share? Send your story to clare@gnag.ca with the subject line “Memorable Moments.” We’d love to hear from you!
Mary Tsai is GNAG’s former executive director and current chair of GNAG ‘s 50th anniversary committee.