Gillian McLaren is The Foundation’s Office Manager and Board Liaison, having joined The Foundation nearly three years ago. When we’re in the physical office, Gillian is the friendly-face who greets you!
Among her many duties, Gillian serves as the main liaison and support function for our Board as well as providing administrative duties to support office management. Last year, Gillian also joined the table of Community Supports as part of The Halton Youth Collective Program (HYCP).
Originally from Mississauga, Gillian moved to raise her family in Oakville with her husband Chris. She is a proud mom to three children Ethan, Skye and Charlotte.
Gillian started her career with Martin Brower in Inventory Control and Supply Planning for McDonalds restaurants. As a small function of this role she was honoured to help support McDonald Days at Camp Ooch, a camp for children experiencing childhood cancer. Gillian looked forward to this work every year and ultimately contributed to her switching the purpose surrounding her work, and she decided she wanted to make an active difference for those who need it.
Gillian decided to go back to school and attended Sheridan College, where she obtained a Social Service Work Certificate and simultaneously studied at York University, where she received conflict resolution and mediation certification. With a focus on support and programming for single mothers, Gillian joined Halton Women’s Place as a Crisis counsellor and after several years, moved to the co-op housing sector working as an onsite coordinator and liaison for residents, Members, Board, Committees and with National Sector Agencies.
Luckily for The Foundation, Gillian continued her work with non-profit organizations and found her way to us! Gillian says, “being at The Foundation allows me to work with an inspiring group of people everyday and gives me the opportunity to be a part of something that I am proud of, in our local Community and beyond.” Gillian brings her background of empathy and understanding with her wherever she goes.
In 2019, Gillian also became a Fundholder! Her Fund, the Larmour-McLaren Family Fund was started to help organizations who support community members who have family, friends or who themselves struggle with mental health and wellness.
Outside of the office, you can find Gillian curling, watching a variety of comedy shows, attending her Zoom cooking class or hiking with her husband and daughter.
Gillian always brings a positive attitude and her great sense of humour to any task, and we are very grateful to have her as part of our Team. We all hope we have a chance to see Gillian’s friendly face in our physical office very soon!
