For more than a decade, Andrea Bidgood has been quietly changing the face of Guelph without fanfare, without recognition, and often, without anyone watching.
Now, the spotlight is finally catching up.
Andrea Bidgood is the 2025 recipient of the Community Builders Award for Unsung Hero, a recognition of her tireless work as a grassroots organizer, volunteer and advocate for equity, inclusion and community connection.
Bidgood’s approach to leadership is grounded in care.
As a lifelong volunteer and self-taught community builder, she doesn’t seek attention for her efforts.
Instead, she focuses on making Guelph a place where everyone, especially those on the margins can feel seen, safe and fully welcome.
Her work spans many areas, but her message is always the same: community change starts with meeting people where they are physically, emotionally and in their everyday realities.
Over the last 12 years, Bidgood has organized countless initiatives, including seasonal food drives and the University of Guelph’s Adopt-a-Family program, which she’s led annually since 2013.
Her efforts have helped support families in need while inspiring others in her workplace to give back.
But her leadership extends far beyond the workplace.
As founder of the Guelph Girls Gays and Theys Bike Club, Bidgood created a joyful, inclusive space for 2SLGBTQIA+, BIPOC and women riders to connect through themed events and monthly rides including Guelph’s first Pride Ride.
“Some of my proudest moments so far is with founding the Girls Gays and Theys Bike Club, especially with one of our bigger events, being the Pride Ride,” Bidgood shared.” It kind of makes it extra special to have people come out and dress up, while bringing a different audience to our community rides.”
She also leads the Guelph Queer Brunch Bunch, a sober-friendly monthly social gathering that offers connection, belonging and warmth for queer folks outside of nightlife spaces.
“Going out to social groups can really rack up the anxiety and I know how it feels. So, building something that feels low barrier and open to anyone to come, to bring in all these people who may not feel like they belong in some of the typical groups to come in and feel like they belong,” Bidgood shared.
“I’m really passionate about doing events and social groups that are geared towards something that either a previous version of myself or my current version of myself would really appreciate,” Bidgood added.
Through her work with the Guelph Coalition for Active Transportation (GCAT), Bidgood helps shape a city that’s safer and more accessible for everyone.
As Vice Chair, she plays a leading role in communications, advocacy and event planning translating complex policies into plain language, coaching first-time council delegates and centering equity in everything she does.
Whether she’s coordinating a bike valet at a festival, organizing a care package drive or simply helping someone understand how to engage with city hall, Bidgood’s work is rooted in one powerful idea: that community is something we build together.
She leads not for accolades, but to open doors for others to make sure more people feel confident showing up, speaking out and being heard.
“I believe every small action—a Pride Ride, a food drive, a council delegation—can spark a ripple that benefits us all,” Bidgood says. “That’s what keeps me going.”
Her humility is as notable as her impact.
“I’m just extremely grateful that the community had such nice things to say. It really inspires me to keep doing what I’m doing,” Bidgood says.
The Unsung Hero award is presented to an individual or group whose tireless work and/or volunteer efforts in our community seek to improve the lives of others. The recipient has created a positive impact in our community both now and for the future.
Congratulations, Andrea Bidgood!
This award is proudly sponsored by Royal City Recruitment Inc.
