On March 19, 2025, Habitat for Humanity Heartland Ontario had the honour of celebrating three extraordinary individuals who have dedicated countless hours to supporting our mission. In ceremonies held at the Stratford ReStore and Brantford ReStore, we proudly recognized George Smith, Tom Stoffelsen, and Gary “Ko” Kusch as recipients of the Coronation Medal, an award commemorating the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III as King of Canada.
The Coronation Medal is awarded to 30,000 Canadians who have significantly contributed to their community, province, or country. Each of our honourees embodies this spirit of service, bringing dedication, passion, and hard work to Habitat for Humanity Heartland Ontario.
Celebrating Decades of Dedication in Stratford
The first ceremony of the day took place at the Stratford ReStore, where we honoured George Smith, one of our longest-serving volunteers. Since May 2004, George has contributed over 9,050 volunteer hours to the Stratford ReStore, where he has become a regular fixture in the warehouse.
George specializes in testing lights, ensuring that donated items are in working order before they reach our customers. He first began volunteering to give back to his community, but it has become much more than that over the years. For George, the ReStore is not just a place to volunteer—it’s an opportunity to be around friends and connect with a community that values his dedication and hard work.
Recognizing a Key Build Team Member in Brantford
In the afternoon, we gathered at the Brantford ReStore to honour Tom Stoffelsen, a vital member of our build team. Though he has been volunteering for just three years, Tom has already contributed over 1,750 hours, playing a key role in our Six Nations of the Grand River home-build projects.
Beyond his hands-on work, Tom brings a wealth of construction knowledge that has helped guide and mentor others on-site. His dedication to affordable housing and his willingness to share his expertise make him a true asset to our mission.
A Brantford ReStore Family Member
The final honouree of the day was Gary “Ko” Kusch, a volunteer who is so dedicated to the Brantford ReStore that he considers it his second home. Since May 2014, Ko has given an astounding 15,400 volunteer hours, making him one of our most committed and beloved team members.
When asked why he spends so much time at the ReStore, Ko’s simple yet powerful response is: “I really like it here!” His passion for Habitat’s work and his unwavering support for our staff and customers make him an invaluable part of our organization.
A Grateful Community
These ceremonies were a chance to shine a spotlight on the incredible contributions of George, Tom, and Ko—three individuals who exemplify the power of community service. Their commitment to Habitat for Humanity Heartland Ontario has had a lasting impact on our organization and the lives of the families and communities we serve.
We extend our deepest gratitude to these Coronation Medal recipients for their dedication and to everyone who joined us in celebrating their achievements. Thank you for being an essential part of our Habitat family!
Read more from local news coverage:
Volunteers honoured with King Charles Coronation Medals – Brant Beacon
Volunteer George Smith presented with King Charles III Coronation Medal – Stratfordtoday
Stratford resident awarded King Charles III Coronation Medal – MyStratfordnow
About Habitat for Humanity Heartland Ontario
Habitat for Humanity Heartland Ontario is a charitable organization dedicated to building strength, stability, and self-reliance through affordable homeownership. Serving the regions of London, Middlesex, Oxford, Elgin, Brant, Norfolk, and Perth, the organization works alongside volunteers, donors, and community partners to create safe and affordable housing for families in need. By providing a hand-up rather than a hand-out, Habitat empowers families to break the cycle of poverty through sustainable homeownership. In addition to building homes, Habitat for Humanity Heartland Ontario also operates ReStores, where donated new and gently used items, such as furniture, appliances, lighting fixtures, décor, building materials, tools, electronics and more, are sold to fund building projects and support local communities.
For more information, visit Habitat for Humanity Heartland Ontario.