Spending time with people who devote themselves to the cause of increasing access to affordable housing is an inspiration for Holly O’Connor.
As the marketing and communications manager for Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region (Habitat PKR), she’s now had the opportunity to help recognize three of the organization’s outstanding volunteers with the King Charles III Coronation Medal, which recognizes people who have made outstanding contributions to their communities.
“It’s honestly so inspiring to have the privilege to be surrounded by volunteers who devote so much of themselves to Habitat PKR’s work,” O’Connor told kawarthaNOW. “I’m constantly in awe of the heart behind their motives. These are people who show up, consistently, simply because they care about building affordable housing and investing right back into their community.”
One of those individuals is Kevin Deuchars.
Last Wednesday (April 30), during National Volunteer Week, Habitat PKR presented the devoted Lindsay ReStore volunteer with his King Charles III Coronation Medal at a special volunteer celebration hosted at Omemee Coronation Hall.
During his acceptance speech, Deuchars acknowledged the efforts of each of his fellow volunteers, show attended the event along with his friends and family.
“The main reason I will always volunteer at the Lindsay Habitat ReStore, for as long as I possibly can, is because of the incredible people who surround me and inspire me every single day,” Deuchars said.
The King Charles III Coronation Medal is awarded to fewer than 30,000 people across the country, and recognizes exceptional service and civic dedication — “qualities Kevin demonstrates daily,” Habitat PKR noted in a media release. “A valued member of the Habitat PKR since 2021, Kevin has made a lasting impact on the Lindsay ReStore and the broader community.”
At the Lindsay ReStore, Deuchars manages the lighting department with “enthusiasm and expertise.” Known for his reliability, problem-solving skills, and positive spirit, he became “a go-to volunteer and trusted peer among staff and volunteers alike,” the release stated.
“Volunteers like Kevin embody the spirit of service, and I don’t think people always realize just how much time, skill and heart goes into what they do,” O’Connor said. “They work so hard behind the scenes and are always humble and purpose-driven. They are the backbone of not just our organization, but our whole local community.”
Originally from Hamilton and raised in east Toronto, Deuchars moved to Lindsay in 2003 and has dedicated his retirement years to service and community building, the release noted.
“Kevin is not only a dedicated volunteer — he embodies the spirit of community,” said Susan Zambonin, CEO of Habitat PKR, in a statement.
“His commitment to Habitat PKR goes far beyond his time in the ReStore. He actively invests in the local community and believes deeply in our mission to build safe, decent, and affordable housing. Kevin’s contributions help create brighter futures for families across our region.”
In addition to his medal, Deuchars also received a legacy award from Habitat PRK recognizing his completion of over 2,200 volunteer hours.
Back in March, Habitat PKR held a special celebration brunch at the Lakefield Restore to honour two other volunteers — Cindy Windover and Harry Pearson — who also each received the King Charles III Coronation Medal.
Windover, a long-standing board member, has played a key role in shaping the organization’s vision and supporting fundraising initiatives, in addition to her advocacy work. Pearson, a boots-on-the-ground volunteer of more than 18 years, fulfills a crucial role in Habitat PKR’s deconstruction program, helping to remove more than 100 kitchens and salvage materials for Habitat PKR ReStores, in addition to his building work.
Both Windover and Pearson have also worked on Habitat PKR build sites in the Lakefield community, and were key members of the steering committee for the homes built on Fitzgerald Street and other local projects.
The King Charles III Coronation Medal commemorates the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III as King of Canada. Eligible candidates must meet requirements that include having made a significant contribution to Canada or to a particular province, territory, region, or community of Canada, or having made an outstanding achievement abroad that brings credit to Canada.
