Since 2008, Sue has been a steady, skilled, and compassionate presence on Habitat for Humanity build sites—here in Southern Alberta and around the world. With more than 2000 hours of service under her toolbelt, Sue is an example of what long-term volunteer impact looks like.
From local builds to international impact—see what keeps Sue coming back.
Finding purpose through building
Sue first picked up a hammer with Habitat in Calgary’s Mayland Heights community back in 2008. She doesn’t remember exactly what inspired her to get involved besides her love for home renovations, but the people and purpose have kept her coming back.
“I found a community of wonderful people when I started, and they are one of the many things that keep me coming back. It is also a cause that, as an immigrant, really resonates with me.”
Building near and far
Sue typically volunteers once a week, more if the distance from her home to the build site allows it. In addition to her shifts here in Southern Alberta, she has also traveled to build homes around the globe.
Sue (centre) alongside her Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta travel companions while on an international Global Village trip to Portugal.
“The first was Whitehorse, followed by Nicaragua. I’ve done seven in total and have no intention of stopping. It’s a fabulous way to see a country and make a tangible difference in a world that’s so far outside our usual everyday life experience.”
Life beyond the build site
Before retiring, Sue worked in the school system supporting children with learning and behavioural challenges. These days, she keeps busy maintaining her home and acreage, visiting her four children and nine grandchildren…tackling whatever is on the “granny-do” list. “These always include a re-do or fix-up of some kind, as they all have the renovation bug. My favorites are the flooring projects.”
She also enjoys biking (including completing a couple of bike tours), birdwatching, gardening, cross-country skiing, and staying active in her community association.
A love for hands-on work
Ask Sue about her favourite Habitat tasks, and her answer is immediate: “Framing. Drywalling. Flooring. Cabinet installs.” She loves building with her hands, and she’s proud to be part of something that creates lasting change.
Sue smiles for a photo with a Build Day participant that she was leading and teaching for the day on site in Calgary.
Sue's steady presence, generous spirit, and skilled hands have made a lasting impact on homes, on families, and on fellow volunteers. Whether she's framing a wall, laying flooring, or encouraging others to get involved, she embodies what it means to build with heart.
“All of it keeps me coming back; the supervising staff, the other volunteers, the homeowners, the skills being acquired, the support from everyone. And of course, the differences we are making to families’ lives.
I love being part of an organization in which I feel such pride.”
Feeling inspired?
Join our incredible community of volunteers and help build something lasting, right here in Southern Alberta.
