Building a Legacy of Compassion

For Bonnie and Fred, volunteering with Habitat for Humanity goes far beyond swinging hammers or raising walls—it’s about building hope, creating meaningful connections, and making a lasting impact in the lives of others, both in their community and across the globe.

For Bonnie and Fred, what began as a simple connection through a former job turned into a lifelong passion for helping others achieve the dream of homeownership. Their introduction to Greater Fox Cities Area Habitat for Humanity came through community involvement—but it quickly became something much more profound.

Their work on construction sites and the Family Selection Committee has not only allowed them to help others but has deeply enriched their own lives. “You’ve helped somebody learn a skill, and you’ve helped them toward a dream in a very hands-on way,” Bonnie reflects. “And we’ve also gotten to meet those people—that’s another way our lives have been enriched.”

As longtime volunteers, they’ve seen firsthand the housing challenges that families in the Fox Cities face—unsafe living conditions, health struggles, and fears around housing instability. These experiences have opened their eyes to the real and often hidden barriers that keep people from having a decent place to call home.

But their impact has reached far beyond local projects. Their memories include a Habitat build in Nepal, where working alongside local families created a powerful human connection that broke through social and cultural barriers.

They’ve also seen the ripple effect of Habitat’s empowerment model. One story that has stayed with Bonnie was about a woman whose employer thanked Habitat for helping her develop the confidence to speak up and contribute meaningful ideas at work. “Before she got into Habitat,” the manager said, “she probably had that idea—but she never would have shared it.”

Bonnie and Fred have also joined Habitat’s Golden Hammer Legacy Society, ensuring their support continues long after their own time of service ends. “It’s not just about what we leave in our will,” Fred explained. “It’s about passing on the values and purpose that shaped our lives.”

We are honored to have incredible volunteers like Bonnie and Fred on our team—people who give not only their time and talents, but also their hearts. Their commitment reminds us that building homes is really about building community, hope, and opportunity.

Come build with us and help create a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Learn more about our volunteer opportunites by clicking here or the button below!