At our 2023 Habitat for Humanity PEI Christmas Celebration, we took the time to recognize one of our employees for their tremendous 27 years of service.

Maggie Cheverie has been with Habitat for Humanity PEI since the beginning. For those of you who don’t know, Habitat for Humanity PEI was established in 1996.

In 1996, Maggie responded to a tiny ad in the Graphic – this ad was looking for volunteers to start up Habitat in Prince Edward Island. Maggie was welcomed on as a volunteer and met with Pierre Chaison, who was getting the organization going, under the guidance of Jim and Myrna Wicks. Her role was to help recruit more volunteers, for the number of volunteer positions to fill. The small group of them met irregularly, and Maggie started up a data bank of volunteer information to keep on file for the organization.

In 1997, the first Habitat PEI ReStore opened near the top of MacAleer Drive. Maggie volunteered there on Saturday mornings – and her Saturday volunteer shifts have remained steady to this day. She recalls the first ReStore to be small, but it had a second floor where the settings of furniture were displayed. There was a garage space used for drop-offs, and minor repairs were conducted by Harry Hibbs – who still often stops in to see Maggie from time to time at our new ReStore.

In 1998, the MacAleer Drive ReStore closed, and it re-opened four months later at the Mount Edward Road Location. At this time, Susan Zambonin came on as CEO of the organization, and her husband, Mario Zambonin as the ReStore Store Manager.

Maggie remained a Saturday volunteer – and when she retired from her full-time career (of teaching, and publishing), In 2015, she was able to volunteer and commit more of her time. She picked up working on Tuesdays as paid staff, as well as her Saturday volunteer shifts, and helping out on other days as needed.

Over the years, Maggie has volunteered on various Habitat PEI build sites. She was often the “go-to” person, sometimes getting food donations from church groups and businesses and arranging for these to get to the build site. She’s volunteered her time painting, laying click flooring, and many other duties. One of her fondest memories is when Habitat PEI did their first accessibility build in Stratford, for a young child in a wheelchair.

Maggie dedicates her time to Habitat PEI because she believes in the cause and the mission for all to attain affordable homeownership. She enjoys volunteering at the ReStore because every day is a new day, and it is exciting to see the many different items donated. She has a particular liking for old agricultural tools – and is thrilled when they get donated to the ReStore.

Maggie, 27 years of service is an incredible accomplishment. Through the years, your talents and efforts have helped our success. Together, we take pride in your accomplishment and your commitment to our organization. We sincerely appreciate your hard work and efforts year over year. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.