Louis Bannett: ReStore Volunteer

What do you enjoy most about your volunteer experience with Habitat GTA?

I have an opportunity to give back, instead of a financial contribution, I am making a personal one with the work I do. My time is my contribution and I love doing that, and I love that it keeps me in good physical shape because the ReStore role keeps me physically active. I also enjoy the comradery, there is a group of volunteers who come on Tuesdays, and we all enjoy coming in together.

What new things do you feel you have learned while volunteering?

I’ve learned about myself a bit more, I didn’t know I could be a volunteer until it was mentioned to me, it taught me what I’m like as an individual and how I can contribute. I’ve learned how to interact with others and teach others. I enjoy sharing safety practices and am very conscientious about doing things the proper way and teaching this to others.

What does community mean to you?

The Vaughan ReStore community has some very nice people who I have befriended. When they come in, they bring me coffee and we talk, and it’s fun to talk to people. If people are looking for something specific, I enjoy helping them to find what they need and feeling their sense of appreciation. This makes them feel that someone cares. I like when people ask for me and recognize that I’m here to help.

What thoughts would you share with a new volunteer who is just starting their journey with Habitat GTA?

I would let people know that every day is a new adventure, and each day is different, so take some time before evaluating the experience. Different people enjoy different things, so find what you like best and adapt to what you feel comfortable doing and expand from there. Start with one day a week and then go from there. Give it a chance and find your niche of what you enjoy doing. One person enjoys carpentry, and he likes building and putting things together and looking for opportunities to learn.