2009 Habitat Volunteer of the Year

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Leadership with a Passion for Volunteering with Habitat
2009 National Volunteer of the Year Award: Orest Myckan

Orest Myckan is a Habitat for Humanity pioneer – he has dedicated more than 6,800 volunteer hours to Habitat for Humanity (HFH) Edmonton since 2003 and participated in 16 Global Village builds around the world. It's this tangible work along with his leadership skills and passion for helping people that have earned him the 2009 Habitat for Humanity Canada National Volunteer of the Year Award.

Leading by Example

Orest has been a member of the Habitat for Humanity family since 1993. His unassuming leadership style has inspired countless people to join his teams and become long-standing Habitat volunteers. When someone is in need, Orest is quick to gather a team and don a hard hat. He regularly acts as an advisor to volunteers and site supervisors, and always takes the time to connect with the families whose homes he's building.

"I could see how deeply he cared for the welfare of the families and how much he appreciated the involvement of the many other volunteers and donors. He has set an amazing example for others to follow." – Long-time HFH Edmonton volunteer, Don Neufeld, on Orest's contagious dedication

He's been a workhorse for the Edmonton affiliate. From swinging a hammer to sitting on committees, and stepping in to temporarily fill the Executive Director role for the HFH Edmonton affiliate, Orest has done it all – and he brings enthusiasm and a wealth of knowledge to every endeavour.

Orest, centre, with two Dow Chemical Canada employees during the

Fort Saskatchewan Blitz Build, just outside Edmonton, in June 2008.

Building Homes, Building Partnerships

Orest played an instrumental role in helping establish the partnership between HFH Edmonton and Dow Chemical Canada Inc.

"Orest was the reason we were able to secure the biannual ‘one home sponsorship' that Dow gives our affiliate. During our Fort Saskatchewan blitz build we saw more than just a financial contribution, we saw hundreds of volunteers from Dow. That wouldn't have happened without Orest." – Alfred Nikolai, President and CEO, HFH Edmonton

Building Around the World

Orest is an ambassador for Habitat for Humanity around the world. He's led more Global Village trips than any other Canadian leader. His build in Honduras in 1997 was the first of many to come in Latin America, and he also participated in the first Global Village trip in Canada to Nunavut and led the second build in Nunavut. Orest leads at least two Global Village trips a year and continues to dedicate his time, money and expertise in his home community of Edmonton.

In December 2008, Orest and a fellow team member presented soccer balls and team jerseys to the

Sonsonate affiliate during a build in El Salvador – donated by the Grande Prairie Minor Soccer Association.

"We consider Orest to be one of the pioneers, one of the folks who realized early on that Global Village could be a great way for Habitat Canada to emphasize the holistic nature of Habitat for Humanity as a global ministry."– David Minich, Volunteer Mobilization Director, HFH International

Get Involved

To volunteer internationally, visit habitatglobalvillage.ca, and to volunteer locally, visit Local Affiliate Offices to find your nearest affiliate.