Built to Serve: Celebrating Our Greyshirts
At Team Rubicon Canada, we take this time to celebrate our volunteers — Greyshirts, as we affectionately call them — who show up when disaster strikes and provide the critical work that helps communities recover and rebuild. It’s National Volunteer Week and this year’s theme is “Make Waves.” It highlights how every act of service sends out ripples of change that extend far beyond the immediate.
“If you’ve got a serving heart, that’s just what you want to do,” says Brett Piggot, Greyshirt and Royal Australian Air Force veteran. “I just feel the need to help others and that’s why I served my country and why I’m serving with Team Rubicon Canada now.”
The Power of Service
Volunteering isn’t about seeking recognition; it’s about stepping up when others can’t. For Greyshirts, that means responding to disasters, clearing debris, sifting through the ashes after a fire, or offering relief, always supporting those in need. Whether it’s in urban centres or remote communities, Greyshirts tackle the challenges that arise when disaster strikes.
At Team Rubicon Canada, Greyshirts know the impact they make. It’s not just about helping people recover after a disaster, but also about supporting them in regaining stability. When volunteers come together to serve, they demonstrate the true power of community and resilience.
Volunteering and Well-Being
For Greyshirts, and anyone considering becoming one, volunteering is a powerful way to improve both personal well-being and the communities they serve. Studies show that giving time to others reduces stress, combats isolation, and provides a sense of purpose. The work Greyshirts do isn’t just fulfilling for the people they help; it’s also deeply rewarding.
Time and again, Greyshirts share experiences reinforcing that engaging in meaningful service builds personal resilience and satisfaction. The connections they make, the shared mission, and the tangible impact of their efforts all contribute to their own mental and emotional well-being, creating a true win-win scenario.
Building Community
For these selfless individuals, volunteering also offers an opportunity to apply their skills and stay connected. Many come from backgrounds in the military, emergency response, or other service-driven fields. For some, the sense of purpose and community they once had in their careers is now something they may be searching for. Volunteering with Team Rubicon Canada allows them to continue contributing while forming new relationships and finding a renewed sense of belonging, purpose and identity.
The bonds formed through volunteering are especially valuable for those who have retired or transitioned from careers that once provided them with a deep sense of community. Greyshirts certainly bring their expertise to the table, but they also continue to grow and connect with like-minded individuals. They support one another through a mission-first mentality, but this sense of community is a vital part of what makes volunteering with Team Rubicon Canada so meaningful — both for the Greyshirt and communities they serve.
The Ripple Effect
This year’s theme, “Make Waves,” reminds us that every act of service has a broader impact. Greyshirts don’t just show up and leave. Their work creates lasting change that extends far beyond the immediate task. A single volunteer’s actions inspire others to join in, creating a ripple effect that spreads through communities, organizations, and individuals.
For Greyshirts, the work is about more than just completing the job, it’s about creating a lasting impact. The relief they provide, the skills they share, and the example they set inspire others to step into the arena and contribute. That ripple effect continues long after the work is done, motivating more people to get involved in their own communities or even join Team Rubicon, making waves of change.
Why Volunteering Matters
Volunteering is a core driver for Team Rubicon Canada and Greyshirts are the backbone of our organization — they’re the ones who make things happen when it matters most. Whether it’s providing immediate disaster relief or supporting long-term recovery, every volunteer plays a role in building stronger, more resilient communities.
“Volunteering isn’t just about giving your time; it’s about being part of something bigger. It’s about showing up when it counts, making a difference when others can’t, and creating a lasting impact that ripples through communities,” explains Colette Ainsworth, Manager, Volunteer Experience. “As a former volunteer myself, the dedication and strength of our Greyshirts never cease to amaze me. I admire not only their commitment but also the support of their families who stand behind them, making it possible for them to serve.”
As we reflect on the work of our Greyshirts, we’re reminded that their contributions are more than just physical efforts. They’re part of something bigger — a wave of change that continues to spread far and wide.
Thank you, Greyshirts.
