Petawawa, Ontario
Mr. Nicholas Kerr is a serving member of the Canadian Armed Forces, who volunteers countless hours to numerous organizations, all with the aim of supporting his fellow comrades and Veterans. Among his many notable contributions, Mr. Kerr volunteers with the Royal Canadian Army Cadets in Pembroke, helping supervise Cadets during training nights, teaching and coaching drill, marksmanship principles, chaperoning trips. He has volunteered with “Thank a Solider.org”, answering questions from the general public about military life and his experiences. Mr. Kerr has helped with the Military Oral History Collection Program run by the University of Victoria. Mr. Kerr is also involved with the War Horse Project, working various volunteer positions; with Pembroke Saint John’s Ambulance as a Volunteer Medical First Responder; with the Canadian War Museum as a member of the Friends of the War Museum; with VETS Canada Petawawa and Ottawa Chapters as a Boots on the Ground Team Member and countless other initiatives.
Mr. Kerr has combined his love of the outdoors and physical activity with his volunteer efforts. He has volunteered his time to provide multimedia support to Catdaddy Fishing Guide Services, a fishing company that runs specialized fishing trips for Canadian Armed Forces members, Veterans, disabled Veterans and disabled children. Mr. Kerr volunteered with Pilgrim Bandits Canada, acting as a safety/support staff member for a group of 30 British and Canadian Forces members/Veterans who kayaked down 748 km of the Yukon River. He was also a kayak partner for a double amputee Veteran on the trip. In 2016, Mr. Kerr participated in the 100 Mile U.S. National Parks Hike Challenge and incorporated it with the Wounded Warriors 22 push up PTSD Awareness Challenge; he completed the Commander’s Challenge (5 km run and half marathon) and then subsequently volunteered on the clean-up crew at the Canadian Army Run; and he participated in the Wounded Warrior Highway of Heroes Bike Ride. In all events, Mr. Herr raised money for charities supporting Veteran causes.
In November 2016 Mr. Kerr helped create and organize an event in memory of Major Michelle Mendes, a 30-year old Canadian Armed Forces Intelligence Officer who took her own life while serving in Afghanistan in 2009. Mr. Kerr and his friends adopted a section of the Highway of Heroes, organizing an event to clean garbage from the section of that highway. Mr. Kerr is also involved in the Highway of Heroes Living Tribute, volunteering his time to this project.