As Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) marks its 50th anniversary and the United Nations’ International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development, Canadians have plenty to celebrate. Eight volunteers from across the country have been recognized through HFHI's Global Volunteer Recognition Awards, highlighting the remarkable ways volunteers help create lasting impact in their communities and advance Habitat’s vision of a world where everyone has a safe and decent place to call home.

“These awards celebrate the extraordinary impact Habitat volunteers have in communities around the world,” says Pedro Barata, Habitat Canada’s President & CEO. “We are delighted to see so many Canadian volunteers recognized among so many remarkable individuals across the global Habitat family.”

From more than 300 nominations submitted worldwide, 12 volunteers were selected for global recognition, including two outstanding Canadians:

• Kevin McShan, a member of Habitat for Humanity Windsor-Essex’s Board of Directors, received the Global Volunteer Award (Emerging Leader) for advancing inclusive leadership, accessibility and community engagement through board service, storytelling and advocacy.
• Wayne Richard, a dedicated ReStore volunteer with Habitat Windsor-Essex, received the Global ReStore Volunteer Award, in recognition of 26 years of exceptional service, including testing donated electrical products and mentoring volunteers and students.

HFHI also recognized 32 honourees whose service and leadership are helping advance access to safe, affordable housing around the world. Six Canadians were among those honoured:

• Jamie Cleaver, Habitat for Humanity Huronia – Change Maker

• Brent Froese, Habitat for Humanity Manitoba – Lifetime Keystone

• Luke Walker, Habitat for Humanity Sarnia/Lambton – Door Opener

• Maralyn Boake, Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta – Door Opener

• Murray Scotton, Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta – Door Opener

• Angeline Pare, Habitat for Humanity Windsor-Essex – Lifetime Keystone

These recognitions highlight more than individual achievements. They represent years of dedication, countless hours of service and the lasting impact volunteers have on families and communities they support.

Habitat Canada proudly celebrates this year’s award recipients, honourees and nominees, and grateful for the thousands of volunteers whose passion, generosity and commitment help make our work possible.

For more information about the Global Volunteer Recognition Awards and this year's recipients, click here.