Hamilton, ON (December 1st, 2025)
At Habitat for Humanity Hamilton, volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. Our volunteers are dynamic, talented, kind, and of course, always eager to lend a helping hand. While we have many terrific volunteers, there is one person who embodies all these terrific qualities very strongly – Chrissy Walker.
Chrissy has been serving as a member of Habitat Hamilton’s Board of Directors for the past six years, though her connection to Habitat began even earlier. Before joining the board, she participated in build days and other initiatives through her workplace, Sagen, which has long supported Habitat affiliates across Canada, including as the founding sponsor of the Meaning of Home writing contest.
“I had participated in build days with clients and even helped judge Meaning of Home entries,” Chrissy recalls. “So when the opportunity came up to volunteer in a more meaningful way, I jumped at it.”
Since then, Chrissy has become a familiar and enthusiastic presence around Habitat Hamilton – whether helping guide the organization through her work on the HR & Governance Committee, or stepping up to support community events and fundraising activities whenever help is needed.
If you’ve worked alongside Chrissy, you know she brings more than just dedication. She brings energy, humour, and a contagious sense of positivity.
“Talent? I wouldn’t call it that,” she laughs. “But I think I bring a bit of cheer to my volunteer work. I’m a bit of a joker and like to make things fun.”
That spirit was on full display during a recent build day with the Cornerstone Association of Realtors, where Chrissy could be found celebrating small victories on site.
“I was giving high-fives and having the best time learning to cut and measure baseboards,” she says.
While Chrissy enjoys getting her hands dirty on build sites, some of her most meaningful experiences have come during Habitat’s key ceremonies, when families receive the keys to their new homes.
“Being there when families get their keys and hearing how the home will change their lives… it chokes me up every time.”
As a real estate professional, Chrissy sees firsthand how dramatically housing costs have risen in recent years. That reality makes Habitat’s work even more meaningful to her.
“I hope to achieve personal gratification by being part of families gaining safe and affordable housing,” she explains.
She also sees the organization adapting creatively to the changing housing landscape.
“With land costs rising so dramatically, Habitat has pivoted in creative ways,” she says. “Programs like repairing homes that would otherwise remain unlivable help bring housing units back to the market and support families who need them.”
For anyone considering volunteering with Habitat Hamilton, Chrissy offers simple advice:
“Don’t be afraid if you don’t have construction skills. They’ll teach you what you need to know. And if build days aren’t your thing, there are so many other ways to get involved. Just reach out.”
For Chrissy, volunteering ultimately comes down to something simple: purpose.
“It gives me a sense of purpose,” she says, smiling. “And maybe a few extra drops in the ‘good karma’ bucket.”
We are incredibly grateful to have Chrissy as part of the Habitat Hamilton family. Volunteers like her help ensure that we can continue building homes, communities, and hope across Hamilton.