Susan is always up for a challenge. Whether she’s volunteering at the Habitat ReStore, training for Special Olympics, or spending time with her twin sister Paula and her dog Milo, she does it all with a big heart and lots of energy!
At 28 years old, Susan has been part of Special Olympics since she was 11, trying out different sports along the way. Now, after months of training—rain, shine, or snow—she’s getting ready for the biggest event of her life. She’s heading to Italy to compete in snowshoeing at the Special Olympics World Winter Games!
Keep reading to see how Susan’s time volunteering at the Habitat ReStore have helped shape her journey to the world stage.
Finding community at Habitat ReStore
Susan started volunteering at the Habitat ReStore through a program at Prospect. Now, she helps out every week, and it’s become a place where she feels welcome and part of a team.
“The staff at the ReStore have made Susan feel very welcome and part of their team,” shared her family. She loves sharing stories about her co-workers and the work she does.
But volunteering has done even more than that—it’s helped her grow. Her parents shared,
"Her volunteering at the Restore has increased Susan's confidence and has improved her public speaking, which in turn has helped with her Special Olympics competitions. The ReStore has helped her become more independent."
Susan won gold in 100m and 200m snowshoeing events at Provincials in 2024.
Reaching for her dreams
When Susan found out she was going to Italy, she was thrilled! Not just for herself, but for the chance to experience it all with her friends. It’s taken a lot of hard work to get here, but Susan never lets anything stop her.
Her parents shared, "Susan has had to overcome some struggles to become the adult she is today."
As she gets ready to compete in snowshoeing, Susan is showing the world what’s possible with determination, a positive attitude, and a strong support system. From volunteering at the Habitat ReStore to representing Canada on the world stage, she’s an inspiration to us all.
Be part of something bigger
Susan’s journey shows how powerful community and support can be. From volunteering at the ReStore to competing on the world stage, she’s proving that with determination and the right opportunities, anything is possible.
At Habitat, we believe everyone has something to give. Whether it’s helping at the ReStore, swinging a hammer on a build site, or simply spreading the word, every effort helps families build strength, stability, and independence.
Want to get involved? Click here to sign up and start your own Habitat journey!
Together, we’re building more than homes—we’re building brighter futures.
