Every Wednesday, Marie can be found at our Sunridge Way ReStore, welcoming customers, lending a hand wherever she is needed and sharing a laugh with the team.
Marie joined Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta in August 2025 and has already contributed more than 156 volunteer hours. But her commitment to volunteering goes back much further.
“I have volunteered all of my life,” she says.
Marie began volunteering as a teenager, organizing and running dances and community centre activities. Since then, she has supported animal welfare organizations, served on boards and event committees, and volunteered with Ten Thousand Villages for nearly 20 years.
Her professional life has also centred on helping others. Marie spent 20 years supporting children, youth and young parents before moving into volunteer management, where she worked with three organizations and eventually retired from what she calls her dream job at Hospice Calgary.
Finding her place at ReStore
When Marie began looking for her next volunteer opportunity, Habitat for Humanity’s mission played an important role in her decision.
“I admire the work that the organization does. I need to be involved with organizations that I believe in.”
Her background in retail and volunteer management has made her a natural fit for the ReStore team. She enjoys the independence of her customer service role and the opportunity to jump in wherever help is needed.
But it is the people who make Wednesdays worth looking forward to.
“I keep coming back to volunteer at Habitat for many reasons, but what matters most to me is feeling like I am making a difference, the amazing and supportive ReStore staff, and my fellow volunteers,” she says.
Marie also has a special appreciation for Volunteer Services Manager Lauren, who she says makes volunteers feel appreciated, valued and, most importantly, listened to.
The feeling is mutual.
“Marie only joined us just over a year ago, but it feels like she has been part of the ReStore team much longer,” says Lauren. “Whether you are a customer, volunteer, ReStore team member or office staff member, Marie is always warm, welcoming, ready to help and up for a laugh.”
A lifelong connection to community
Outside of volunteering, Marie enjoys reading, walking, a little gardening, though she admits she does not have much of a green thumb, and travelling. Her favourite destinations include Mexico and her cabin in Saskatchewan.
After a lifetime of working and volunteering with organizations that support people and communities, Marie has a simple but meaningful understanding of home.
“Home to me means safety, warmth, family, pets, comfort, so many things.”
For anyone considering volunteering, Marie encourages people to choose a role that matches their interests and strengths. She especially recommends ReStore for those who enjoy retail, working independently, and taking initiative.
With so many opportunities across Habitat, she believes there is something for everyone.
We are grateful that Marie shares her time, experience, and wonderful sense of humour with our ReStore community. Wednesdays would not be quite the same without her!
Marie showing off her muscles during a shift at ReStore
Marie takes her fundraising commitments seriously! After raising $1,000 for Hospice Calgary, she kept her promise to have their logo shaved and dyed into her hair.
Marie showing off her Halloween spirit at a dinner with a friend at Jubilations Dinner Theatre.
Marie and a good friend, also known as the “Glam Squad” by their favourite Elton John tribute performer! The two regularly attend his shows in Calgary, complete with plenty of sparkle.
