Meet Dan & John | Deconstruction Volunteers

Today, we’re shining a spotlight on some of the most hands-on volunteers at Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region – our Kitchen & Home Deconstruction Team. These dedicated volunteers bring skill, care, and a whole lot of heart to every project they take on. 

The team offers a unique service: they go right into people’s homes to remove built-in items like kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, doors, and other reusable fixtures. The items are then sold in our ReStores, and the proceeds help build safe, affordable homes for local families. The service is offered at no cost, and it’s not just good for the community, it’s great for the environment too. 

Two incredible volunteers who make this work possible are Dan and John.

Meet Dan 

Dan’s connection to Habitat for Humanity started overseas. In 2013, while living in Europe, he participated in a 10-day Global Village build in Hungary. After moving to Lindsay in 2014, he immediately got involved in local builds – including the Hamilton Street homes – and later joined the kitchen and home deconstruction team. 

“I’ve had a fairly easy go at life,” Dan says. “Being able to help people who need a hand up to get started helps fulfill my life.” 

His most memorable moment came while drywalling the first two Habitat homes in Lindsay, where he worked side-by-side with a volunteer who turned out to be a high school classmate he hadn’t seen in 45 years – John! The two reconnected and have been close friends ever since. 

Dan brings a lifelong love of handiwork to everything he does, whether it’s at Habitat PKR, around the house, or at the cottage. He’s also active with other local organizations, volunteering with the Trans Canada Trail, Amnesty International, and Machik. 

“The greatest honour of my life has been working with so many amazing people through Habitat for Humanity – and with the families who now have a safe place to call home,” he says. “I’ve received more than I’ve given.” 

Meet John 

John moved to Lindsay in 2014 and was looking for a way to get involved in his new community. He found it through Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region. 

“I’ve always been someone who volunteers for causes I believe in,” he says. “Helping build homes and meeting like-minded people felt like the right fit. Habitat PKR gave me a way to give back and take a break from renovating my own home!” 

John’s favourite part of volunteering is the people – fellow volunteers, Habitat staff, and homeowner families. “Everyone you meet through Habitat is there for the right reasons. They’re generous, kind, and full of positive energy.” 

John enjoys the hands-on nature of the kitchen salvage work – especially because it’s so different from the work he did in his career. Outside of Habitat PKR, he enjoys repairing things, traveling, and camping across the country with his wife, Karen. In fact, they’ve travelled to every Canadian province and territory – usually with their trusty travel trailer in tow. 

“When people have a place to call home, they become proud and contributing members of their community,” John says. “That’s what Habitat for Humanity is really about. It’s worth a few hours of your time to help build that future for someone.” 

Thank you to all of our deconstruction volunteers! We are so grateful for you! 

👉 Interested in volunteering with the Kitchen & Home Deconstruction Team or elsewhere at Habitat? Learn more here!