The United Way of Guelph Wellington Dufferin has launched a new awards program for the “Top 7 Over 70” in our region, to celebrate seven extraordinary individuals who, after the age of 70, make significant and lasting contributions to our community. The deadline for submitting nominations is June 15, 2026. See details below.
Top 7 Over 70
NOMINATION FORM
The Top 7 Over 70 awards celebrate seven extraordinary individuals who, after the age of 70,
make significant and lasting contributions to our community. This event highlights the
remarkable impact of community members who defy age norms, demonstrating that passion,
purpose, and influence don’t diminish with time. Their stories serve as a powerful reminder that
it is never too late to get involved, give back, and create meaningful change.
Any individual who is over 70 and lives in Guelph, Wellington County or Dufferin County is
eligible to be nominated. These awards aren’t about looking back at a lifetime of
accomplishments. They are about celebrating what’s happening now. Nominations may draw
on past experience, but achievements should have a fresh twist, a current focus, or represent
an exciting move into unfamiliar territory. Let’s honour those who continue to grow, contribute,
and inspire—well into their 70s and beyond!
Nominees’ accomplishments can be occurring in fields such as: health, wellness and recreation;
arts and culture; science; business; volunteerism; environment; overcoming adversity; and
making a difference.
How to nominate an individual for a Top 7 Over 70 Award (Deadline: Monday June 15,
2026)
- Ensure you have contacted your nominee and obtained his/her permission to enter
him/her in this award. - Talk to two other people who know the nominee and obtain a letter of support for this
nomination from each of them. (Details on the letter of support are below.) - Complete the nomination form (either online or through this document).Submit the completed nomination form and two letters of support via one of the
following:
If completing online, please complete the questions online and email your 2
Letters of Support to colleen@unitedwaygwd.com
Complete the form below in Microsoft Word and email the completed form and
Letters of Support via email to colleen@unitedwaygwd.com
Printed nominations and material can be mailed to: Top 7 Over 70; c/o Colleen
Murdoch, United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin, 255 Speedvale Ave. West,
Suite 101, Guelph, ON N1H 1C5. - Nominations should be received by Monday June 15, 2026.
- Questions can be directed to Colleen Murdoch, colleen@unitedwaygwd.com or 226-
326-0233 - We expect to notify all nominees by August 2026. Award recipients will be
celebrated at a Top 7 Over 70 Gala on Thursday, October 29, 2026. More details will
be available at unitedwayguelph.com/top7over70
2026 Top 7 Over 70 Award Nomination
Nominee Information
Title: Ms Mrs. Mr. Dr. Other
Name:
Address:
City or town: Postal Code:
Email address:
Phone:
Date of birth:
Please confirm the following statement with your initials:
I’ve informed the nominee that I’ve put his/her name forward for this award. He/she consents to have this nomination put forward and have his/her name included in any Top 7 Over 70 properties, including the Top 7 Over 70 Canada website or United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin’s website, social media, event program and news releases. (initial)
Nominator Contact Info
Title: Ms. Mrs. Mr. Dr. Other
Name:
Address:
City or town: Postal Code:
Email address:
Phone:
Relationship to Nominee:
Tell Us About the Nominee (Please complete all sections)
- Achievement(s) AFTER Age 70
Please list the nominee’s achievement(s) accomplished after turning 70 within any of the following fields: health, wellness and recreation; arts and culture; science; business; volunteerism; environment; overcoming adversity; and making a difference. Please be specific and include their role, the impact or difference they have made, and who has or will benefit from their contribution.
- Why does this individual deserve a Top 7 Over 70 award?
Please specifically address this within the context of the aforementioned achievements. Supplementary information may be included on a separate page.
- How does this individual inspire those around him/her?
How has this individual’s accomplishments past the age of 70 inspired others?
- Please share from a personal perspective why you are nominating this individual and why they should receive this award?
- Organizations/Community Partnerships
Please tell us about other organizations or community partnerships the nominee is involved in, along with a brief summary of responsibilities or contributions:
LETTERS OF SUPPORT
Each nomination requires two letters of support. These letters should explain why the writer believes the nominee deserves a Top 7 Over 70 award and discuss how the nominee has accomplished a milestone or vision that inspires all ages in our community, demonstrating that age does not preclude developing new passions. Family members can be involved in nominating and supporting a nominee. Nominators and supporters can live anywhere, but we do need a phone number and email for each of them.
* Please collect these letters and include them with your nomination package. Please list the names of the individuals who will be writing letters of support:
Name:
Email: Phone:
Name:
Email: Phone:
Thank you for taking the time to submit your nomination and celebrate your nominee’s amazing contributions to our community!