Meet members of our staff and learn about what they are doing in their professional and personal lives to help shape a more resilient, sustainable world. In this edition, we hear from Senior Administrative Assistant, Louise Parnell.

For over five years, Louise has volunteered for the Honour House Society, including three years as Volunteer Coordinator. As the daughter of an Air Force veteran, Louise was inspired by seeing the contributions of first responders every day, and she was looking for a place to give back. 

Honour House is a “home away from home” for first responders, military personnel, veterans, and their families and provides a free place to stay while they are attending appointments or have hospital stays in the Lower Mainland. The restored heritage mansion in New Westminster, BC, has 11 guest suites with ensuite bathrooms and common living areas.

The house is run entirely by volunteers, with only one paid staff member. Louise says, “As volunteers, we do all the housekeeping, room turnovers, and landscaping, and attend various fundraising events. We are very proud to be launching Honour Ranch later this year, a facility outside of Ashcroft that will provide respite for those suffering from PTSD. I’ve never had a more rewarding position. The gratitude shown by our guests is overwhelming.”

For Louise, volunteering is a way to say thank you and give back to people who put their own lives on the line for others everyday.