Community raises $195,000 to build wounded soldier a home

Fundraising efforts have paid off for Cpl. Bill Kerr, a wounded veteran of the Afghanistan conflict.

“The Home for a Hero project is pleased to report that as a result of the Oct. 4 successful Hike for a Hero event, funds raised for the home total $195,000 to date,” said Derik McArthur, committee chair and president of the Northern Joint Council, RWDSU/UFCW union, in a release last Friday.

“Once again Sudburians have shown that we are a caring community that not only supports our troops, but we take care of our own. On behalf of the committee, I would like to say thank you to the community for their generosity and support to make this home for Bill a reality,” said McArthur.

He said more than 800 people walked, ran and biked to support Kerr's goal of obtaining a home that would be built with full accessibility features.

Dalron Homes has stated they would build the home for cost and Kelly Lake building Supplies has announced they would donate $25,000 worth of building materials towards the project.

Hike for a hero featured politicians from all three levels of government and participation by Canada's top general, Chief of Defense Staff General Walter Natynczyk. He presented two cheques, one for $1,500 from his former military classmates and one for $10,000 from a private foundation set up by senior Canadian business executives to support the troops.

“Our goal is to raise funds throughout the community to assist in providing Bill with a Home for a Hero as a gesture of our respect for the sacrifice he has made. It is our hope that he will have a home that will accommodate his injuries and new lifestyle and have room for his new wife and two daughters,” added McArthur.

The goal of the fundraising efforts is $300,000. For more information or to donate, visit www.homeforahero.ca or drop off a contribution at the RWDSU/UFCW union centre.