Katimavik Students Volunteer at the Campbell River ReStore

This summer, the Habitat for Humanity Campbell River ReStore partnered up with Katimavik, a program that empowers young Canadians aged 18 to 25 to gain valuable work and life skills through volunteerism and experiential learning. The program aims to prepare the students for leadership roles and meaningful careers. The Katimavik students are expected to complete about five months of volunteer work experience in two provinces with Vancouver Island, British Columbia being their first stop.

Willow, originally from Ontario, has a passion for art and re-finishing old furniture. The Habitat ReStore was a good place for her to express her creative freedom. While at the ReStore, Willow re-finished an old buffet and gave it new life, saving it from the landfill.

With her unique style and passion for people, Willow quickly became the go-to person for the receiving department at the ReStore. Her meticulous attention to detail ensured that donated items found new homes efficiently. She also volunteered to make art buttons and other crafts in the ‘Kids Zone Art Tent’ and the Comox Valley Pride in the Park this summer.

Thank you, Willow, for your kindness and for choosing to volunteer with Habitat. We hope you see your puppies and your favourite pet bearded dragon soon!

Rebecca, originally from Quebec, with English as her second language, is a natural communicator. Rebecca thrived in her role at the ReStore's front desk and Floor Merchandiser. She purposely chose to be at the front of the store as much as possible to improve her language skills while assisting customers.

Her warm smile and excellent customer service skills welcomed shoppers and left a lasting positive impression on visitors. This was Rebecca’s first time outside Quebec, and she enjoyed visiting the island. Her favourite part was their group camping trip to Tofino, where she got to try surfing for the first time.

Jake, originally from Manitoba, is a clever and creative spirit. It was only natural for Jake to gravitate towards volunteering at Habitat for Humanity. His early exposure to home renovations, thanks to his father’s family business, instilled a passion for fixing and crafting things. At the ReStore, he transformed donated materials into eye-catching items, showcasing their potential and inspiring customers’ home improvement projects. Jake also really enjoyed the trip to Tofino, where he got to try surfing for the first time!

Thank you to Willow, Rebecca, and Jake for impacting the ReStore in such a positive way.

We look forward to welcoming more Katimavik students into our organization. Young volunteers are pivotal in supporting affordable housing solutions and fostering a sense of community. Willow, Rebecca, and Jake's story inspires us all to recognize the transformative potential of youth engagement in creating a better world for everyone.