Chris Honoured by the Community

Chris, Liam (second cousin), Bob (father) and Jason (brother) had a wonderful family reunion over the Christmas holidays. 

Main photo: Chris, his brother Jason and his father Bob all got to enjoy a Calgary Flames game as part of his gift package. Chris received a jersey, as well.

Celebrating Chris for his Community Contributions

This past holiday season, a volunteer who has given back to his community for decades, had it paid forward to him. For years, Chris Carr has committed countless hours of volunteerism to many local sports teams and charities. His community involvement has varied from volunteering with the Soo Thunderbirds, Algoma University Athletics and the Soo Greyhounds, to helping with the sports teams at St. Mary’s College and Superior Heights.

This past December, Chris was selected as a recipient in SooToday’s Random Acts of Kindness program. Members of the community submitted names of people who they believe should be recognized, for various reasons. A short-list of 12 recipients are then highlighted and presented with generous gifts donated by area businesses and benefactors.

Chris’ name was submitted by members of the community who wanted to see him recognized for his hard work and dedication as a volunteer.  

The Random Acts of Kindness gifts provided to Chris were thanks to a generous donation by Algoma Steel.

The gifts were presented to Chris during a surprise ceremony held during an assembly at St. Mary’s College. SooToday personality, Jasmyn Rowley, called him to the stage and made the announcement.

 “It was pretty fun,” says Chris, who was very surprised as the gifts kept coming.  “All they told me was to come to the school because there was something going on.”

The gifts were specific to Chris’ interests as well as with some practicality of everyday life. He received a new fat bike for getting around the city, a cell phone, a one-year bus pass, a $500 Metro gift card and $150 gift card to Lina’s Kitchen.

He also received two, round trip tickets to Calgary. Chris’ Mom had recently passed away and he was hoping he could visit his brother (Jason), sister-in-law (Tammy) and three nieces, in Calgary. Algoma Steel not only provided airfare for him but also for his father, Bob. He also visited with a cousin and his son.

“I convinced my Dad to go with me,” says Chris. “We had a good time, together.”

This trip was especially important to Chris as his Mom had passed away last year and he was hoping to spend holiday time with his family. He was able to fly to Calgary in advance of the Christmas season and return early in the New Year.

Regularly seen around town on his fat bike (with the new one soon to hit the road), Chris said he enjoyed trying out his brother’s ultra fat bike, when in Calgary.

Chris said his family was surprised and very happy to have them visit during the holidays.

As part of his Calgary package, he also received four nights at a hotel, a Calgary flames jersey and four tickets to a Calgary Flames game.

Chris, who has visited Calgary previously, enjoyed taking the C Train to the malls and especially enjoyed checking out the four-level TD mall. He did some shopping thanks to the $500 provided through the Random Acts of Kindness.

““When ever I’m in Calgary, I can find my way around to where my brother and my brother’s wife, who is now my sister in law, live, used to live and to where they live now,” says Chris. His cell phone has an album of photos highlighting the special memories he made with his family, tourist spots and cityscapes. There was no snow when he visited there and came home, to the Sault, to a lot of snow on the ground.

Chris says it was a great trip for everyone. He appreciates the recognition of those who nominated him, the community and the generosity of Algoma Steel.

 “I want to thank all of the groups and the St. Mary’s sports team,” he said.

(See photos, below)

Check out the link where Chris was surprised with all of the generous gifts during an assembly at St. Mary's College.

On the first day of Christmas, we surprise a very familiar face - Sault Ste. Marie News