At Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta, volunteering doesn’t look just one way.
Sometimes, it looks like hammering in the cold.
Sometimes, it looks like pricing furnace filters.
Sometimes, it looks like sitting down with a family to talk about their future.
This National Volunteer Week, we’re celebrating six incredible people who give their time, heart, and energy to help others find a place to call home.
Andy: The one who never stops building
Andy has volunteered more than 6,100 hours since 2010, helping build homes here in Alberta and around the globe. Over the years, he has taken his dedication beyond Alberta, joining builds in Nepal, Malawi, Chile, and Paraguay. What keeps him coming back?
“I love the camaraderie of fellow leaders and volunteers. I always feel good at the end of the day, knowing I’ve helped provide a better future for a family.”
Derek: The one who gives back in his own way
Derek believes in living a life filled with love, purpose, and service. Looking for a different way to give back, Derek joined the Deerfoot Meadows ReStore team and found community, purpose, and a whole lot of new skills. He brings a spark to every shift, and his curiosity never slows down!
Mackenzie: The one who keeps it all in order
Mackenzie came to the Sunridge Way ReStore through a work experience program and never stopped showing up. She’s logged more than 350 volunteer hours! And if you’ve ever admired how tidy the shelves look, you probably have her to thank.
Melina: The one who shows up twice—at work and as a volunteer
Melina works at the ReStore in Medicine Hat. But when she heard the local Chapter needed volunteers, she jumped in without hesitation. Her goal? To help more children grow up in safe, stable homes — and to spread the word about how we can all help.
“What really catches my heart is the children. I believe as a society we must help ensure that as many children as we can feel safe and secure so they can grow and pass that on to future generations.”
Jeffrey: The one who always brings a smile
Jeffrey has been volunteering since 2012. He keeps the ReStore looking sharp and the people around him smiling. “We have a good laugh, then he tells me to get back to work,” says one of his favourite staff members.
Sandi: The one who helps families feel seen and supported
As a former school principal, Sandi saw how housing instability impacted children, and how stable homes helped them thrive.
Now, as a long-time member of the Family Selection Committee, she helps guide families through the application process with empathy and care.
“I love meeting the families and especially the children, setting them at ease and being supportive of them.”
Sandi brings wisdom, warmth, and a deep belief in what’s possible when families have a safe place to call home.
Happy National Volunteer Week!
To every single volunteer who gives their time to Habitat — thank you. Whether you show up once a week or once a year, you are part of this mission.
You help build homes.
You help build hope.
You help build community.
Together, we are building brighter futures through affordable homeownership.
