Meet Autumn & Linda | Lakefield ReStore Volunteers

We’re kicking off Volunteer Appreciation Week by celebrating some of the amazing volunteers who give their time and heart to Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region. Each day this week, we’re spotlighting volunteers from across our organization, because they truly deserve all the recognition in the world for being the heart of what we do! 

Today, we’re shining a light on two wonderful volunteers at the Lakefield ReStore: Autumn and Linda. 

Meet Autumn 

When Autumn began searching for a place to complete her high school’s required 40 volunteer hours, she explored many options but ultimately chose Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region because it’s close to home in more ways than one. Her family owns a Habitat home and has volunteered in the past when completing their Homeowner hours, meaning she’s seen firsthand the positive impact affordable homeownership through Habitat PKR makes in the community. 

Although she was a little nervous on her first day, Autumn says the warm and welcoming team at the Lakefield ReStore quickly made her feel at home. She discovered a love for sorting and preparing donations behind the scenes and especially enjoys testing out sewing machines and exploring all the unique items that come through the docks. “I love to sew,” she shared, “so getting to learn more about different machines has been so fun!” 

Autumn’s passion, curiosity, and positive energy are just a few of the reasons she’s such a valuable part of the Lakefield team. 

Meet Linda 

Linda began volunteering with Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region in 2019 and recently joined the Lakefield ReStore team, bringing with her nearly six years of experience and passion for giving back to her new volunteer home. 

After reading an article about how Habitat ReStores support affordable housing, she knew it was the perfect fit. “I believe Habitat gives people the chance to overcome the hurdle of homeownership,” she says. “Everyone needs and deserves a decent place to live.” 

You’ll often find Linda in the back room, sorting donations, restocking shelves and discovering the occasional hidden gem along the way. “Every day is an adventure. I love when someone’s looking for a specific ReStore item and I can say, ‘Oh, we just got that in!’ Watching their face light up is the best feeling.” 

Outside of Habitat PKR, Linda stays active with curling, slo-pitch, gardening, canoeing, and volunteering at a school breakfast program. 

“To anyone thinking of volunteering,” she says, “I can’t recommend it enough. It’s rewarding, fun, and you’re contributing to something really meaningful – affordable housing in our community.” 

One of our staff’s favourite memories of Linda is from a rainy ReStore yard sale we held two years ago – while everyone was soaked, tired, and ready to quit, Linda showed up with a poncho in hand and a smile on her face, ready to do whatever needed to be done to get us through. She’s never afraid to get stuck in, and we’re so lucky to have her!

Thank you, Autumn and Linda – and all the amazing Lakefield ReStore volunteers. We’re so grateful for you. 

👉 Want to join this incredible team? Click here to learn more about our volunteer opportunities!