John Huether, through his career and volunteer work, has touched thousands of lives.
Words by Carol Kotacka
On June 30, members of the Fair Share for Peel Task Force gathered at the Mississaugua Golf and Country club to honour the contributions of one of Mississauga’s own volunteers–John Huether, a Mississauga resident who has spent a lifetime working towards changing this part of the world.
Through career and volunteer work, John has touched the lives of families both locally and internationally. John has been an international volunteer, an Executive Director of Peel Children’s Aid, Chair of the Fair Share for Peel Task Force and this year he retires as Chair of the Fair Share for Peel Task Force after providing twenty years of leadership. He is a perfect example of how one person can change and inspire others.
The son of an Anglican Minister, John grew up in a culture of public service. Inspired by a visit with Ugandan clergy visiting Canada, John joined Canadian University Services Overseas and after graduating from the University of Toronto in 1968, he taught in Nigeria for two years.
When asked about the impact the experience had on his future career and his life, John replied, “the short answer is it gave me an appreciation of other cultures, religions, and different ways of thinking about spirituality. It also taught me more about North American society–both its good points and bad points.”
John returned to Canada with a commitment to improve his community and sought employment working on social issues. He began his career in youth justice as a parole officer. After ten years in youth justice, John was managing all young offenders and children’s programs in Central Region and had completed a Masters of Social Work.
In 1987 John accepted the role of Executive Director for Peel Children’s Aid here in Mississauga. This would prove to be one of the most challenging and rewarding roles in his career.
“For me, child welfare was the most difficult, challenging and rewarding,” he says. “We protect kids and create situations that promote safety. It has a life-changing impact on hundreds of kids and thousands of families.”
John’s passions are as varied as they are intense—environmentalist, advocate, athlete. He has been a tireless champion for the community, volunteering with Success by Six Peel, Peel Poverty Reduction Strategy, and serving on the board of United Way of Peel Region, to name a few. In honour of John’s retirement, members of the Fair Share for Peel Task Force planted a tree at the Riverwood Conservancy where he was a founding member and continues to participate today. He even coached the Mississauga Jaguars basketball team to the Canadian championships—twice.
After twenty years, John’s taking a hiatus as he steps down as Chair of the Fair Share Task Force and looks to expand his horizons once again.
“I want to explore getting connected on an international front, reading to children… have more one on one impact. I would encourage anyone to get involved with their passion,” he advises. “Volunteers have an opportunity to learn about themselves, to make the world around them better. I certainly feel very lucky to work with the people I have.”
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.“
~ Margaret Mead