LiveWorkPlay Celebrates National Volunteer Week 2026 – Volunteer Leadership Award – Sarah-Jane Harriz

This award was presented live at Make A Buzz Ottawa 2026, the LiveWorkPlay 31st Anniversary Celebration at Bayview Yards. The presenter is Rebecca Coxon, Team Lead and interim Volunteer Coordinator.

I have the absolute pleasure of recognizing someone who truly embodies what it means to help the community to welcome and include people with intellectual disabilities, autistic people and those with a dual diagnosis.  

For those unfamiliar with Friday Night Meetups, nearly every Friday night every week of the year LiveWorkPlay coordinates meetups with people we support and a diverse team of volunteers, to get together and enjoy all that Ottawa has to offer.  

On any given Friday, all at the same time, small groups will be gathered for dinners, movies, sporting events, theatre, nature walks, you name it, it’s happening at a LiveWorkPlay Friday Night Meetup. This individual has been chosen for this award because she represents the critical qualities of a meetups volunteer: reliability, flexibility, and kindness—and she does it in a way that makes it all look effortless. She just gets it.  

She understands that inclusion isn’t just something we talk about—it’s holding space for people we support to experience their good life in the community. She champions LiveWorkPlay’s mission through her volunteering and in her professional and personal life.  

In May 2025, she ran the Ottawa Race Weekend half marathon raising over $500 to benefit LiveWorkPlay. That really gives it away so I will start to mention her by name. 

Sarah-Jane, your dedication, openness, and genuine care for our community do not go unnoticed. We are so grateful for everything you bring to LiveWorkPlay, and we’re excited to continue getting to know you. Please join me in congratulating Sarah-Jane Harriz as the recipient of this year’s Volunteer Leadership Award!