At Habitat for Humanity, we are incredibly fortunate to have a dedicated team of volunteers who find purpose in our mission of building homes for families in our community. Since our founding in 2004, many outstanding individuals have poured their time, skills, and passion into this organization. Volunteers are the heart of Habitat for Humanity, and we wouldn’t be able to build homes or transform lives without their help. Whether they’ve been with us since the beginning or joined more recently, each volunteer plays a vital role in our success.

Below, we have highlighted just a few of the many individuals we are so honoured to work alongside. Join us in celebrating their remarkable contributions and the positive impact they’ve made in the lives of countless families.

Mel Springall (Volunteer 2006 - Present)

Since 2006, Mel has been a vital part of Habitat for Humanity, dedicating his time to kitchen deconstruction and salvage efforts, as well as overseeing the metal and electronic recycling program at the Comox Valley ReStore. His passion and expertise are the driving forces behind the program’s success in Comox Valley.

Mel doesn’t just sort and organize precious metals; he also trains a diverse group of volunteers, including high school students eager to gain hands-on experience. His mentorship ensures that the next generation of volunteers is well-equipped to contribute meaningfully.

Despite his significant impact, Mel prefers to work behind the scenes and shies away from recognition. We’re grateful for his dedication to our organization!

Merv Farquhar (Volunteer 2008 - Present)

Merv has been with Habitat since 2008. In the years with us, he has tried different roles until he found what he loves - receiving and metal recycling! In our metal recycling program, volunteers strip metal from non-working appliances, lights, and electronics that have been donated.

Merv is the go-to guy for all things DIY around the ReStore. From repairing the concrete ramp to fixing the fence, he’s left his mark everywhere, including building an outdoor lunch area for volunteers. His eagerness to lend a hand and tackle any project that comes his way makes him an invaluable asset to our team. We’re lucky to have Merv on board!

Bill Kendall (2011 - Present)

Bill moved to Campbell River in 2009 from Nakusp to be closer to his daughter and grandbaby. He began his journey as a Habitat volunteer in 2011, lending his time and skills to the tools department at the ReStore.

His motivation to get involved with Habitat for Humanity sparked when he met the ReStore manager at the time at a booth during a Campbell River Home Show at Strathcona Gardens. The manager was actively recruiting volunteers and sharing the mission of Habitat. Additionally, a friend of Bill's had worked with Habitat in the interior, planting the idea in Bill's mind as a meaningful way to contribute.

For those considering joining the Habitat volunteer community, Bill has an encouraging message: you can set your own hours and come and go as you please. It’s a fantastic place to connect with staff, customers, and fellow volunteers. The camaraderie is one of the highlights of his experience, making volunteering with Habitat not just rewarding but also enjoyable.

Heather Warwick (2008- Present)

Heather began volunteering with Habitat around 2008 when she and her husband returned to the island after leaving in 1991. Her husband joined her in volunteering a few years later, lending his skills with small appliance repair at the ReStore and eventually stepping up to join the board—an exciting new challenge for someone who had spent his professional career in administration.

Throughout the years, Heather has cherished the opportunity to work closely with families, appreciating their inspiring stories and commitment to overcoming challenges. She has also formed lasting friendships with like-minded volunteers, gathering every Thursday for games of Scrabble for the past six years.

For anyone considering joining the Habitat volunteer community, Heather says that there’s a welcoming and supportive group waiting for you. Anyone with a bit of extra time can find joy and purpose in this encouraging and friendly team.

Paula Sheedy and Marilyn Robb aka The Sisters (2012-Present)

"If my sister, Paula, and I even got fifty cents for every time we have asked ourselves how we got so lucky to have seen an ad for the Habitat Women Build in 2012 we would be rich. The first build was a 6 unit project in Courtenay. We did everything from raking gravel and straightening nails for reuse to painting, siding, insulating, drywall, cabinet assembly etc. A patient supervisor took the time to show us how to do these jobs. The new homeowners worked right beside us, and it was nice to meet them and hear their stories. We never had to do anything we were uncomfortable with and were told never to go up on the roof (like we were planning to do that)."

They remember how, on one of the builds, there were walls to prefab, so they helped build 180 walls for the Habitat homes! After a few more build projects, they started volunteering at the Campbell River ReStore. Their job usually includes cleaning, sorting, and pricing items for the store displays. Aside from that, they sometimes help out on the kitchen deconstruction team, where they go to homes and help take down kitchen cabinets that have been donated or box up donated estate items. They shared that spending time with the other volunteers is great and that their only regret is that they didn't start years earlier!

Tiffany Shelly (2015 - Present)

Tiffany first became a Habitat for Humanity volunteer in 2015, but her journey began earlier with a couple of build days in Washington state. She was introduced to Habitat through a group project with her military unit, and the experience left a lasting impression.

She emphasizes the importance of volunteering, stating that there truly is a role for everyone, regardless of skill level. Whether someone wants to participate or learn something new, they can find their place within the organization. Tiffany herself has acquired skills in using power tools, running the cash register, roofing, and insulating houses—all while surrounded by a supportive community.

In her various roles, Tiffany has worked the most in receiving, managing cash transactions, and participating in community events selling tickets. While she enjoys working the cash register, she considers her superpower to be ticket sales. With each experience, she continues to gain new skills and connect with wonderful people. Tiffany is always fun to have around. She often dresses up for themed events bringing a positive energy and smiles to all who attend.

Tudor Davis (2017-Present)

Since starting as a Habitat volunteer in the summer of 2017, Tudor has significantly contributed to our organization. He began with a shed project and later participated in his first build at Lake Trail in Courtenay that year. Tudor is also very tech-savvy. He is our go-to guy when we need photos taken at a build site. While volunteering at our most recent build site at Wilks Place (1375 Piercy Project), he set up around-the-clock cameras to capture the build process through a time-lapse video.

Motivated to give back after retirement, Tudor discovered Habitat for Humanity as an ideal way to engage with the community and address critical housing issues. He says he appreciated the opportunity to contribute to a meaningful cause while continuously learning new skills.

For anyone considering joining the Habitat volunteer community, the message is clear: volunteering offers a chance to make a real impact while developing valuable skills and connecting with wonderful people. The camaraderie among volunteers adds an element of fun to the work, making every project a rewarding experience.

Join our team of volunteers by swinging a hammer, stocking shelves at ReStore, or helping out at our fundraising events to give a hand up to local families. No experience is necessary.

Email us at volunteer@habitatnorthisland.com to get started, or click below for more information!