Coun. Emily Rowley hugs volunteer extraordinaire and Citizen of the Year Craig Kerr during a celebration at town hall. /Sarah Hyatt/MBC
For his outstanding lifetime contributions to Brighton, Craig Kerr is “Citizen of the Year.”
From helping to bring to life the Brighton Health Services Centre (BHSC), to his devotion to the Bridge Hospice, where Kerr has championed several causes and fundraising efforts over the years alongside his wife Ruth, Kerr’s long been known for his dedication to community. It’s why he was nominated for Brighton’s Citizen of the Year Award, attendees at the awards ceremony heard Monday evening.
The volunteer appreciation event – which packed the council chambers – also highlighted the incredible efforts of nominees Terry Brooks, Beverlie Cook, Alice David, and Louise Lance who were also recognized publicly Monday.
“Craig has made numerous and significant contributions to our community …” said Mayor Brian Ostrander, while announcing the 2024 Citizen of the Year, and touching on just a few of his contributions through volunteer roles championing non-profits.
Ostrander recalled how Kerr helped oversee renovations, transforming the old banquet hall into health services centre that stands today, and provides essential healthcare to residents.
“Craig was also the Master of the Local United Masonic Lodge,” said Ostrander, highlighting how in 2019, when the lodge was forced to amalgamate and their building sold, Kerr was entrusted to recommend where funds from the lodge would be distributed.
Another team-up with the Brian Todd Memorial Community Fund led to the creation of the United Lodge #29 Masonic Legacy grant – translating to $10,000 annually made available to high school graduating students, explained Ostrander.
Many know of Kerr through his time on council and through his hospice work.
From serving on the board of directors and as secretary, to fundraising efforts and the establishment of the hospice foundation, Kerr’s helped ensure residents at end-of-life have a place to turn through the Bridge Hospice. He continues to advocate for care locally and serve with the hospice today, including as chair of the foundation.
As he accepted the honour of Citizen of the Year, Kerr emphasized the significance of volunteerism in Brighton, saying volunteers should be known as “community weavers.” This sentiment was picked up from local lawyer and volunteer Daniel Thompson after a volunteer conference, shared an emotional Kerr.
Volunteers’ weaving creates the tapestry that tells the story of “our town” – a sense of place, of identity, and most importantly, values to hold onto, said Kerr.
The gathering wasn’t just to honour nominees’ hours of volunteer work, but a chance to celebrate the impact they’ve made on the community, explained emcee and committee member Heather Benton, who also touched on how volunteers have woven a tapestry of hope, support and progress for those they serve.
“You are instrumental in making the town of Brighton a vibrant community,” Benton told nominees.
THE NOMINEES:
Brooks was recognized for his volunteer work at the library. For years, he’s led the music portion of its weekly preschool storytime. His passion for music more recently has translated to planning and implementing music in the library for adults.
He’s also shared his drawing talents by leading a learn to draw class for seniors and served as an advocate for life-learning at the library – always bringing an “infectious and enthusiastic energy to everything he does.”
As his nominators say: “Terry never asks for anything in return and is the first to thank us for what we do. It’s time we formally recognize Terry and his commitment to sharing his time and skills.”
Cook was nominated for her work with the Friends of Presqu’ile. Cook has served the non-profit, volunteer organization dedicated to supporting renewal, research, ecology, education programs and more at Presqu’ile Provincial Park through various roles, including her current communications co-ordinator role.
While other organizations struggled coming out of the pandemic, Cook “played a vital role in guiding the Friends fearlessly, finding traction where others couldn’t.”
Nominated by the Brighton Fare Share Food Bank, David is the longest serving board member for the food bank.
“Her countless hours of dedication to this organization have helped to realize the organization’s vision of creating a hunger-free community where every individual has access to nutritious food, leading to improved overall health and well-being.”
Lance was nominated by the Brighton and District Curling Club’s board of directors in a unanimous decision.
Her spearheading of the adult learn to curl program has made the program so popular there’s always a waitlist to enroll, attendees heard.
“Louise’s efforts have not only attracted new members from Brighton but also from across the region, (increasing) the club’s membership.”
Her passion for the game is “infectious.” When she’s not helping with curling, Lance can be found helping other organizations in schools, the library and at local fundraisers.
On behalf of council, Ostrander gave thanks to all nominees for their unwavering volunteer efforts.
“As we all know, volunteers are the heartbeat of our community, offering hope, compassion, and support to our friends and neighbours. Whether they’re providing opportunities for exercise or lending a hand to families facing challenges, volunteers are the pillars upon which this community stands.”
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
