A Hobbyist for a Cause: Meet Wayne the Woodworker
When you combine your skills and passions with a desire to make a difference in your community, amazing things can happen.
Just ask Wayne Espeseth—he would know. In 2014, Wayne took a tour of the Ronald McDonald House in Red Deer and felt a connection to the mission. Feeling inspired to support the House, he decided to donate the funds raised from his woodworking hobby to RMHC Alberta.
Over the years, Wayne has spent countless hours in his shop building beautiful charcuterie boards, cutting boards, vases, clocks, and many other skillfully crafted items. He has sold his woodwork products both in-person and online, relying heavily on word-of-mouth referrals to family and friends. In past years, Wayne also set up displays at Alberta Treasury Branches and the Red Deer Ronald McDonald House “Light the House” events. Every year, he generously donates 100% of the proceeds from these sales to RMHC Alberta, taking on all the labour, materials, tools, and costs associated with his work.
Wayne is now in his 10th year of supporting the Ronald McDonald House. What started as (and remains) a humble desire to do his “hobby for charity” has resulted in over $17,000 raised for families across Alberta with sick and injured children. Last year’s donation was an amazing $3,137—Wayne’s biggest gift yet!
While Wayne doesn’t have children of his own, he’s passionate about helping other families going through difficult times far from home. “Being involved for this many years, I have met numerous people who have either stayed at the Ronald McDonald House or are close to someone who has,” he says.
Wayne is grateful for the support of RMHC Alberta and he’s proud to partner with an organization committed to helping families in need. “Everyone seems to know about RMHC. I have heard many stories about people’s experiences at the Ronald McDonald House, and I cannot recall ever hearing anything negative about the organization.”
