Celebrating MHI Volunteers

National Volunteer Week 2025 - April 27 to May 3rd
At Multifaith Housing Initiative (MHI), National Volunteer Week is our chance to highlight some of the incredible people who make our communities better, happier, and more connected. This year, we’re thrilled to celebrate the 2024 recipients of the MHI Tenant Award and the Gay Richardson Volunteer Award—Laura, Manon, the Property Maintenance Team (PMT), and Kami Ramcharan. 

Laura and Manon – 2024 MHI Tenant Award Recipients
Laura is the kind of person who’s always ready to lend a hand. Whether she’s picking up staple food items for the food cupboard, sorting items for her neighbours, or handing out bread and clothing on giveaway days, her kindness shines through. She also brings joy to the community through her creative decorating skills—making the community room feel extra special during events. Her thoughtfulness and generosity make her a true pillar of support.

Manon shares her love of gardening in a big way. In the warmer months, you’ll find her outside planting flowers, weeding, and tending to the community garden—bringing colour and life to the space for everyone to enjoy. Her passion and dedication help turn the Haven into not just a place to live, but a place to thrive.

​Both Laura and Manon go above and beyond to make life better for those around them, and we’re so proud to recognize them this year.

Property Maintenance Team – 2024 Gay Richardson Volunteer Award Recipients
We’re also incredibly proud to sing the praises of our Property Maintenance Team (PMT)—this group of powerhouse volunteers is being recognized with the Gay Richardson Volunteer Award for 2024.

These hardworking folks roll up their sleeves to clean out homes, do repairs, and paint just about everything—from apartments to stairwells, parking lines, picnic tables, and more. Many are retired professionals—former physiotherapists, social workers, mechanics—who now dedicate their time to making MHI spaces clean, bright, and welcoming.

They start early (sometimes before 6:30 am!) and make time to enjoy coffee, muffins, and laughter together around 8:30. Their camaraderie is strong, their work ethic is inspiring, and the results of their efforts are seen—and appreciated—throughout the community.

​PMT members include: Danielle Dugas, Lorraine England, Fraser MacIsaac, Barbara Smith, Louise Patry, Geoff Joustra, Christopher Duschenes, and Bob Proper. Team leader Danielle, who’s been with the team for 15 years, puts it perfectly: “There’s real satisfaction in seeing a unit transformed into a good home for someone.”

In 2024 alone, the PMT contributed an estimated 900 hours of volunteer work. Their contributions save MHI a significant amount of money, which gets reinvested into tenant supports and community programs.

Kami Ramcharan – 2024 Gay Richardson Volunteer Award Recipient
Kami Ramcharan is another recipient of the Gay Richardson Volunteer Award, and her contributions to MHI have been nothing short of exceptional. Kami retired after over 35 years of service in the Public Service of Canada, where she worked in various roles, including as a Chief Financial Officer. Her career was diverse, with substantial experience in supporting science, diversity and inclusion, and Indigenous programs. A CPA with a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Ottawa, Kami now works as a consultant with a focus on financial management, diversity, and inclusion.

Kami’s dedication to supporting others continues through her volunteer work with MHI. She has served on the Development Committee, is currently on the Board of Directors, and holds the important role of Treasurer. Kami's commitment to helping MHI grow and thrive, as well as her mentorship and coaching for others, is truly inspiring.

Want to Get Involved?
If Laura, Manon, Kami, or the PMT have inspired you, why not join in? Whether you love gardening, painting, organizing, or simply want to give back, there’s a volunteer opportunity for you at MHI. Visit www.multifaithhousing.ca/volunteer to learn more and sign up!

Happy National Volunteer Week 2025: To all our volunteers—thank you. You are the heart of MHI, and we’re so grateful for everything you do.