Michelle McBreen Honored as First Recipient of the York Chamber's Seasonal Volunteer Award

Earlier this year, the York Chamber launched its new Seasonal Volunteer Award Program—a quarterly initiative created to recognize the volunteers and volunteer organizations whose dedication strengthens communities across York Region throughout the year. Rather than waiting for a single annual recognition, the program invites monthly nominations and at the end of each quarter one is selected at random. Recipients receive a certificate of appreciation and a sweet treat from Beach Pea Baking Co.

Thank you Beach Pea Baking Co. for donating and for making a positive impact in our community. Check out their menu here.

Learn more about the program in our announcement:
York Chamber's Seasonal Volunteer Award Program

Michelle McBreen Honored as First Recipient of
 York Chamber's Seasonal Volunteer Award

    The York Region Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce Michelle McBreen as the first recipient of the 2026 Seasonal Volunteer Awards.

Nominated by Carrie Averill of the Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Michelle was selected for extraordinary dedication, creativity, and heart she brings to the organization each and every week.

Affectionately known around the ReStore as "the lady that moves everything," Michelle has a remarkable gift for merchandising and transforming the sales floor into a warm, inviting shopping experience. Every furniture display she creates and every improvement she makes reflects not only her creativity, but also her deep commitment to Habitat for Humanity's mission.

Her impact reaches far beyond arranging furniture. Michelle is always ready to lend a hand—whether she's helping shoppers find the perfect piece, loading furniture, reorganizing the showroom, or tackling unexpected challenges with enthusiasm and determination. She has a natural ability to solve problems, generate new ideas, and step in wherever she's needed most.

Michelle's dedication also extends beyond the ReStore itself. She is a familiar face at Habitat fundraisers and community events, where she brings the same positive energy and willingness to help that staff and fellow volunteers have come to rely on. She continually looks for ways to strengthen the organization, support her teammates, and create an environment that reflects Habitat's values of community, dignity, and service.

It's often the smallest gestures that leave the biggest impression. Michelle regularly shares homemade baked goods and jars of jam with staff and volunteers, adding another layer of kindness to the countless ways she gives back.

Volunteers like Michelle remind us that thriving communities are built by people who quietly give their time, talents, and compassion without expecting recognition. While this award celebrates one individual, it also shines a light on the thousands of volunteers across York Region whose generosity makes our communities stronger every day.

Congratulations, Michelle, and thank you for everything you do. Your hard work, leadership, creativity, and unwavering commitment make you an incredibly deserving recipient of the York Region Chamber of Commerce's inaugural Seasonal Volunteer Award.

If you would like to nominate a volunteer making an impact in the York Region, please fill out this form for consideration.