Before the tools come out and the day’s work begins, there’s often one familiar sight on site: Mario in his blue coveralls.
Mario joined Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta in 2019 after retiring from a career that took him across Canada, the United States, and Asia. Before retirement, he worked as an Instrumentation and Controls Engineer, spending 20 years living and working outside Canada.
His Habitat journey actually started while he was living in Indonesia.
“I participated in my first build while living and working in Indonesia,” Mario says. “That experience helped me better understand both the need for affordable housing and the value these builds bring to families and communities.”
When he returned to Canada, he knew he wanted to continue giving back.
A natural fit
Growing up on a farm in Prince Edward Island had already given him many of the practical skills needed on a construction site. Those skills, combined with a strong work ethic and a willingness to jump in wherever needed, made Habitat a natural fit.
Ask Mario about his favourite tasks and he’ll tell you he enjoys the “rough” work.
“I enjoy framing, drywalling, installing windows and doors,” he says. “I’m less interested in the very fine finishing work, although I won’t refuse any tasks given to me.”
That attitude is part of what makes Mario such a valued Crew Leader.
Staying active and connected to community
For him, volunteering is about more than construction. It’s about staying active, working alongside other volunteers, and connecting with Habitat families as they complete their volunteer hours.
“I enjoy the work. I can’t keep still and need to be active all the time,” he says. “The Habitat construction staff have amazing patience with us volunteers. The other Crew Leaders are fun and interesting to work with, and it’s great meeting and working with families completing their volunteer hours.”
When he’s not on site, Mario enjoys spending time with family and grandchildren, hiking, golfing, curling, skiing, photography, and computer programming. He has also volunteered with the Calgary Food Bank for about 10 years.
One hour at a time
Since joining Habitat, Mario has contributed nearly 1,800 volunteer hours. In 2025 alone, he volunteered 338 hours over 45 shifts, supporting Build Days, Industry Build, and regular Crew Leader shifts.
That’s a lot of time in blue coveralls. And it’s time that has helped more families move into safe, affordable homes.
Crew Leaders are skilled volunteers who guide and support small groups of volunteers on Habitat build sites.
