National Volunteer Week is an annual opportunity to celebrate volunteerism and the importance of volunteers for Habitat for Humanity Niagara. The theme this year is, Every Moment Matters, and we know that each moment spent volunteering contributes to the strength of a community.
Volunteers are integral to the work Habitat does across Niagara. We share the common goal of making safe and decent housing accessible to all, and together, we are helping local families build strength, stability and independence through affordable homeownership.
Whether our volunteers have donated time, resources, or their voice they are an invaluable part of the Habitat for Humanity community.
We celebrated our volunteers at our Night Under the Stars Volunteer Dinner and Awards Ceremony and would like to congratulate the following volunteers who were award recipients.
Habitat Canada’s Volunteer Award recipient – Dave Drew
Dave has been a valued volunteer at Habitat for Humanity Niagara’s Grimsby ReStore for over five years, spending time each week testing and repairing items in its Donation Centre, as well as mentoring new volunteers and students. He recently broadened his volunteering roles to include Co-Chair of Habitat Niagara’s Joint Health and Safety Committee and Vice Chair of the Board of Directors. Dave’s work experience brings knowledge to the organization and enables him to expand Habitat Niagara’s reach into the community. We are grateful for Dave’s dedication, and his willingness to bring his expertise, positivity and diplomatic approach to Habitat Niagara.
Top Volunteer Hours
St. Catharines ReStore: David Bannon
Grimsby ReStore: George Yakowenko
Fonthill ReStore: Chris Malkiewich
Construction Crew: Michael Ennamorato
Salvage Crew: Mark Cossitt
Volunteer Spirit Award – Customer Service Excellence: Syl Gerritsma
Celebrating 10 Years
David Bannon
Peter Holman
David Hunter
Celebrating 5 Years
Doug Carey
David Dewar
Greg Gailbraith
Jamie Germain
Helen Kennedy
Allan Magnacca
Waldo Pauls
Dwight Peacock
Stephen Prior
Ross Taylor
Salvage Crew Star – Mark Cossitt
Construction Crew Star – John House
Grimsby ReStore
Merchandising Star – Charmaine Morrison
Donation Centre Star – George Yakowenko
St. Catharines ReStore
Merchandising Star – Julie Upper
Donation Centre Star – Joe Julien
Fonthill ReStore
Merchandising Star – Corrie Marshall
Donation Centre Star – David Dewar
Special Recognition
Rising Star – Garyn Burns
Rookie Star – Becky Harris
Mentorship Star – Teresa Barich
Volunteer of the Year – James Regimbal