Published June 2025
Carol Taylor is widely known for her volunteer work with several different groups over many years, and has a long history of being a supporter of causes and organizations in her roles as senior staff member, Board Member and Committee Member. Her work and quiet leadership style have had a positive impact on many people’s lives and have strengthened our community
In recognition of her outstanding community service, on Monday March 25th 2025, Carol Taylor received the King Charles III Coronation Medal due to her work in the charitable sector over 21 years, serving Epilepsy Waterloo Wellington and the Volunteer Action Centre. Carol retired as the Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s Society of Cambridge and North Dumfries where she brought her strong administrative skills, her fundraising abilities and high compassion to that important work.
Carol developed deep connections in the community through her role as a Grants Coordinator at the KW Community Foundation. In this role Carol often brought donors to St. John’s Kitchen to learn about our work. These visits started a long connection with The Working Centre that goes back to the 1990’s.
Carol has volunteered with the Children’s Museum, served on the boards of Block Parents, Waterloo Minor Soccer, the Canadian Cultural Association of Waterloo Region, Canadian Caribbean Cultural Association of Waterloo Region, Win-Win for Affordable Housing and The Working Centre.
Carol has also built a vocation in music, founding her own group as the Band Leader for Acoustic Steel, a four member steelband bringing sounds of the Caribbean to our community. For over 10 years, Carol brought members of her steelband to play Christmas music at our yearly Christmas Dinner and often at volunteer dinners. We have so many memories of people dancing and enjoying her group’s steelband music.
Carol Taylor has been a Working Centre Board member for over 10 years and since 2020 has offered her skills as Working Centre Board Chair. Her leadership is quiet while infused with wisdom and knowledge. This has been a time of tremendous growth and creativity for The Working Centre and Carol’s role as Board Chair has been crucial in helping the Board carefully analyze each new development and initiative.
