When Russ Wells first joined Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta in 2020, he probably didn’t expect he’d eventually step in to help lead our Community Engagement team—let alone become our Board Chair. But if you’ve met Russ, you know he has a way of quietly leaning in wherever help is needed most.
Keep reading to discover what inspires Russ and how his journey with Habitat continues to grow.
Russ’s connection to Habitat started over a cup of coffee. Not long after he and his wife moved back to Calgary from Phoenix to help care for aging parents, Russ reconnected with old friends.
“Even though I had been living in the US for 15 years at that point, I still knew a few people in Calgary, one of whom was Gerrad,” he recalls. “We had a coffee and he told me about Habitat.”
But Habitat had been on Russ’s radar long before that meeting. Like many people, he first heard about it through stories of Jimmy Carter’s work and the mission to help families build strength and stability. Years earlier, he’d spent a day on a Habitat build site painting alongside colleagues. That experience stuck with him. So when Gerrad invited him to get involved, Russ decided to say yes.
He joined the Board of Directors in September 2020. It only took a few events to feel like he’d found something special. “All I had to do was attend a few events with Habitat and I was hooked,” Russ says.
“The excitement of new families, especially the kids, getting to see their new homes was fabulous. Clearly, the organization was doing something that was making a big difference in the community.”
That sense of purpose, and the welcoming spirit of the volunteers and staff made it easy to stay. When asked to take on more responsibility, Russ didn’t hesitate. “For me it is all a matter of how I can best help,” he says simply.
Russ’s professional background spans a long career in the energy sector, including roles in technology and IT, and time with a few startup companies. He also served for six years on the Board of Governors of SAIT, three of those as Chair.
So when Habitat needed interim leadership for its Community Engagement team in 2023, Russ stepped in without fuss or fanfare, just a genuine desire to help.
“It was fun and gave me a great insight into all that Habitat does on a daily basis, and I got to know some of the great people working there,” he says.
And it wasn’t just Russ who felt welcome. His dog, Ashton, quickly became an honorary team member, learning exactly where to find the best treats in the office. “It turns out there are a lot of dog lovers in Habitat,” Russ laughs.
Outside of volunteering, Russ keeps busy with a full life that balances caring for both the youngest and oldest members of his family.
“For some reason that I don't fully understand, I seem to always have a lot of things taking up my time,” he jokes.
Much of that time goes to family spread across North America and, before recent commitments, plenty of motorcycle trips with his wife. They’re already planning to get back on the road again soon.
Through it all, it’s the people who keep Russ inspired.
“One of the real eye openers for me has been the dedication and commitment of the volunteers that make Habitat work,” he says. “All the positive attitudes and can-do approach to getting things done is inspiring.”
Ask Russ what keeps him coming back, and you’ll hear the same answer every time: it’s that feeling of possibility and hope when a family opens the door to their new home.
Russ’s journey reminds us that when you show up with an open heart and a willingness to help, you can make a lasting impact on families, communities, and everyone who works alongside you.
Thank you, Russ, for your leadership, your generosity, and the countless ways you’ve helped build a stronger Habitat community!