Our Staff

Michaela Arruda

Executive Director
marruda@crfoundation.ca

A northern girl with a West Coast heart, Michaela has lived all over BC but now considers herself a permanent resident of Campbell River. Recognizing the unique beauty of Campbell River and motivated to be close to her four-generation family home on Savary Island, Michaela moved here in 2013. When she isn’t working or volunteering in the community, she can be found on a boat or a sandy beach with her family or running in the forest with her dog. Michaela has a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Care and Education and developed her career as a Supported Child Development Program Consultant with the Campbell River and District Association for Community Living. Working and creating relationships with families and children from all walks of life has allowed Michaela to become a dedicated advocate for neurodiversity affirmative practice and inclusivity. After being invited to join the Board of Directors at the Young Professionals of Campbell River, participating in the community and membership committees, and chairing the events committee, Michaela found her love of volunteering, participating in philanthropic endeavours, organizing events, and liaising with the broader community. In pursuit of lifelong learning and striving to enhance the common good of the community of Campbell River, Michaela achieved a Professional Specialization Certificate in Public Sector Management through the University of Victoria School of Public Administration. Her training and interest in nonprofit management, strategic planning, and program evaluation led her to become the first Executive Director of the Campbell River Community Foundation. Michaela is proud to work within and lead the prestigious board of directors and is committed to learning and growing along with the Endowment Fund and the community impact of the CRCF.

Gwen Hamling

Administrative Coordinator
info@crfoundation.ca

Gwen is a lifelong Vancouver Islander, born in Comox, raising her family in Woss and Port McNeill, and settling in Campbell River in 2009.  She is a graduate of the North Island College Business Administration and Office Management program.  She retired from the forest industry in 2017 after 23 years with Western Forest Products holding various positions in administrative support roles, finishing her career as the Timberlands Executive Assistant.

Gwen was an active member of WFP’s Safety Committee throughout her career.  Wen living in Port McNeill she volunteered with the local Emergency Preparedness and also took great pleasure volunteering at the Marble River Hatchery supporting and building the chinook salmon run of that watershed.

When Gwen is not working, she enjoys time walking the trails and beaches with her husband and busy Russell Terrier Sadie, or enjoying a yoga practice, or baking, or painting. She also enjoys time with her kids and grandkids exploring local lakes, hanging out in the backyard, or taking on any adventure the grandkids come up with! Gwen also enjoys spending time with friends in many of the outdoor activities our community offers, or playing cards, or hosting gatherings.

One of Gwen’s roles with CRCF is coordinating the Neighbourhood Small Grants program and she is always full of pride at the creativity and commitment of Campbell River residents!  She is passionate about community connections and community development and this program is all about strengthening our community.