Hamilton, ON (September 10) At Habitat for Humanity Hamilton, we’re proud to have a dedicated group of volunteers who make our work possible. These exceptional individuals play a crucial role in helping us bring strength, stability, and self-reliance to families in need of a hand up. In this Volunteer Spotlight, we’re thrilled to introduce you to David Will, who has remarkably been volunteering with us for over 12 years.
David’s journey with Habitat may have never happened if not for his parents, who demonstrated a commitment to community service throughout his life. His mother volunteered at their church and his father was active with Meals on Wheels. Inspired by their desire to give back, he found Habitat Hamilton and started volunteering in one of the most important roles we are always looking to fill – the Kitchen Salvage Team. Working on kitchen salvages, Dave’s DIY skills and hands-on approach were a natural match. As he puts it, Habitat’s work seemed like a “win-win-win” for everyone involved—a perfect way to make a meaningful impact.
Over the years, David has been involved in numerous home salvages, which are vital to our mission. He describes these projects as a perfect blend of personal enjoyment and community contribution. Some of the larger homes he’s worked on have been particularly memorable, yet what stands out most to him is the collaborative spirit—working alongside like-minded individuals who share a common goal.
Despite his humility in downplaying his skills, David brings a wealth of experience as a homeowner who’s tackled countless DIY projects over the years. He calls himself and his fellow salvage volunteers “jacks-of-all-trades, masters of none,” but their collective knowledge ensures that each job is done safely and effectively. David emphasizes the importance of quality in salvage work, knowing that what they do directly contributes to our fundraising efforts through the ReStore, and ultimately to building homes for families in need.
Volunteering has enriched David’s life in ways he didn’t anticipate. Retired for many years, he finds great satisfaction in the work itself and the friendships he’s formed with other volunteers. For him, being part of a team where everyone is there because they want to be—where there’s a shared commitment to the mission—brings a level of fulfillment that’s often hard to find elsewhere.
When asked about what sets Habitat for Humanity apart, David reflects on the unique model of our salvage program. He sees it as a win-win-win: volunteers like him enjoy the work, the proceeds from salvages help fund our home-building projects, and homeowners benefit from the service, even receiving a charitable tax receipt for the value of the salvaged items. It’s this mutually beneficial cycle that David finds so rewarding.
David’s advice to those considering volunteering is simple yet powerful: know that your efforts are important and greatly appreciated. Not everyone is inclined to volunteer, he says, which makes those who do truly special. And for him, staying relevant and contributing to something greater than himself is a goal that keeps him motivated, especially as he enjoys his senior years.
One of David’s most challenging moments came during a solo salvage job at a home where safety was a concern. Reflecting on the experience, he recalls how he developed new techniques and took extra precautions to ensure everything was done safely and efficiently. It’s moments like these—where skill, patience, and problem-solving come into play—that highlight the real impact volunteers make behind the scenes.
David has also contributed to a couple of Habitat builds and attended several home dedications. For him, there’s no better feeling than knowing he’s played a role in providing families with the security and stability of a home. It’s this sense of purpose that continues to drive him, year after year.
At Habitat for Humanity Hamilton, we are incredibly grateful for David Will’s years of service and dedication. Volunteers like him are the backbone of our organization, and his story is a testament to the profound difference that one person can make. Thank you, David, for your continued commitment to Habitat and for helping us build a brighter future for families in our community.
If you or someone you know would like to join the Kitchen Salvage Team or volunteer in another capacity, please contact volunteers@habitathamilton.ca for more information or visit www.habitathamilton.ca/volunteer to sign up.