celebrating International Volunteers
Every year on International Volunteer Day, we celebrate the people who give their time, energy, and compassion to create a better world. Volunteering is more than service, it’s connection, empathy, and the belief that small acts can spark big change. In this blog, we’re shining a spotlight on the inspiring individuals whose stories remind us of what community truly means. From local initiatives to global missions, these volunteers show us that making a difference starts with one person choosing to show up.
Bronwyn’s story: Building what matters
Bronwyn joined her first Habitat build to understand what it truly meant to work alongside a community. She expected construction. What she found was connection.
She remembers the heat, the rhythm of mixing concrete, and the physical effort of laying bricks. But it was the quiet pride of the families, the shared meals, and the handover ceremony, when a house became a home, that stayed with her.
Inspired, Bronwyn rallied a team from her local gym to build in Vietnam. Together, they supported a family whose new home gave their daughter a safe place to study and their son, who lives with a disability, the dignity of access. “You see what was, and what now is”, she says “and it moves you deeply.”
Back in Australia, Bronwyn continues to volunteer, advocate, and fundraise. She’s also preparing for her next build in Nepal. For her, volunteering isn’t a one-time act, it’s a shift in perspective. “There’s a role for everyone. Once you’ve seen the impact, you carry it with you.”
Léo’s story: Connection through compassion
Léo’s first Habitat build in China began as a spontaneous decision with colleagues. What he found was a deeper calling. “Home means stability, dignity, and connection”, he says, “Helping others achieve that is profoundly human.”
Since 2007, Léo has joined multiple builds, laying bricks and mixing mortar alongside local communities. “Each experience is different, but the bond is always the same,” he says. “Strangers become teammates. Joy and resilience shine through.”
One moment that stays with him is seeing children thrive despite hardship. “Their strength and optimism are the greatest reward,” Léo says, “Habitat reminds me that compassion transcends language and culture. We all want the same thing, – a better life.”
Léo continues to advocate for housing justice and encourages others to take the leap. “There is no perfect time to start. Just show up, and you will see what it means to build something that lasts.”
Bruse’s story: What housing really means
After a typhoon devastated parts of the Philippines, Bruce felt compelled to act. He joined a Habitat build on Bantayan Island, where displaced families were rebuilding their lives. That experience sparked a decade of service across six builds in Southeast Asia.
He has mixed cement by hand, hauled bricks in bucket lines, and tied rebar under the sun. Bruce’s work was physically demanding but deeply rewarding. “The camaraderie among volunteers and the humility of the families we helped were constants,” he says. “The handover ceremonies were always emotional. There was never a dry eye.”
He has seen how safe housing transforms lives, from single mothers escaping unsafe shelters to children finally sleeping through the night. “We are all just one or two unforeseen events away from needing help,” Bruce says. “Housing is not a luxury. It is a basic human right.”
As we honour International Volunteer Day, we hope these stories inspire you as much as they’ve inspired us. Each volunteer featured here proves that kindness is powerful, and that every contribution – big or small – helps to shape a brighter future. Whether you’re a long-time volunteer or someone thinking about getting involved, today is a reminder that positive change begins with action. Thank you to all who give their time and heart. Your impact reaches farther than you know.
If you’d like to get involved with our Global Village program, you can view our 2026 buildshere.