If you’ve spent time on the build site with Cliff you’ll know the smile we’re talking about. It’s a big one, and so is the heart behind it.
This September, Cliff is celebrating 11 years of volunteering with Habitat Southern Alberta. He has contributed more than 2,000 hours, helping build affordable homes and sharing in the excitement of the families who will live in them.
We have his longtime work colleague Glenn to thank for getting him here. Glenn spoke so highly of his own experience volunteering that Cliff thought he’d give it a try.
“It sounded like a perfect fit,” Cliff says, “combining some construction/project experience with an affordable housing model that really made a difference to families with children.”
Putting his values into practice
Cliff grew up on a family farm in southern Saskatchewan, an experience he still speaks about with gratitude.
“It was a great place to learn the value of community, commitment, honesty and hard work.”
After earning his chemical engineering degree at the University of Saskatchewan, he moved to Calgary in 1975. His 40-year career in oil and gas took him across Canada and overseas to Asia, with much of his work focused on project management. He then became a certified Energy Advisor, completing energy audits on more than 100 local homes before fully retiring in 2019.
By then, he was already several years into volunteering with Habitat.
On site, Cliff particularly enjoys the finishing work. Trim and cabinet installation suit his self-described perfectionist streak, though he’s happy to take on most tasks.
“I think that I enjoy everything except post hole digging!!”
What keeps him coming back
“Over the years, I have been involved in many different charitable endeavours but none can rival the positive impact that a Habitat home makes for families.”
The opportunity to work alongside future homeowners is especially meaningful to him.
“When I have had the opportunity to work a shift with a family member who is completing their work hours, it is so uplifting to see the deep pride, happiness, gratitude, and sheer thankfulness that they exude!”
There are also the friendships formed over years of working together.
“The camaraderie with the other Crew Leaders and volunteers is a real feeling of family,” he says.
He credits Dustin and Trish with bringing “order to chaos in such a fun way,” and his appreciation extends to the team in the office, too.
For Cliff, the people across Habitat are a big part of what makes volunteering here so enjoyable.
Beyond the build site
Cliff’s love of making things carries over into his time at home, where he has spent many hours woodworking in his basement workshop. Recently, he’s been trying his hand at pottery.
He also enjoys golf, downhill skiing, and cycling with his wife, Sidney. Their travels have included cycling trips in Portugal and Italy, as well as a Habitat International Build in Macedonia in 2018.
And Habitat isn’t the only place where Cliff gives his time. For more than 10 years, he has volunteered as a math mentor for high school students through the YMCA.
Cliff, thank you for 11 years of hard work, friendship and kindness. We’re so glad Glenn talked you into joining us.
