Ottawa recognizing a new community hero: ‘It’s about service’

Move 100 and CTV are proud to introduce you to our community hero, presented by La-Z-Boy!

Ottawa has a new hero and it’s a former military officer and adventurer who dedicated his time to serving the community after retiring.

Don Kelly is the winner of the CTV and Move 100’s Community Hero Award 2025. He received a $5,000 cheque from La-Z-Boy Ottawa Thursday.

“It’s not an individual award. It’s actually a community award. And I’m very grateful for anybody who nominated me,” Kelly told CTV Morning Live.

“I served with the military. And I know it’s about service. And this is just an extension of that service.”

When Kelly is not taking care of his sick wife and driving her to the hospital, you’ll find him at community events in the capital or helping the Blackburn Community Association.

Here’s a list of Kelly’s 2025 community activities:

• Winter Carnival/ Hockey Day in the Hamlet: Coordinator of annual event
• Neighborhood Watch: Coordinator
• First Aid Training: Co-Ordinator
• Children Bike Rodeo: Coordinator of annual event
• Adult Bike Ride: Coordinator of annual event
• Emergency Preparedness Program: Coordinator of Blackburn Hamlet
• Community Showcase: Chair of committee and organizer
• Cancer Chase: Special assistant
• Christmas Market: Chair of annual event
• Christmas Pancake Breakfast: Chair of annual event
• Lighting of Community Christmas Tree: Chair of committee and organizer
• Volunteer Appreciation Day: Co-Chair of annual event
• Community Association: Director of safety

Kelly has always been a friendly face in Ottawa, starting conversations with residents in the local Metro in his neighbourhood, talking about one project or another.

On Saturday, Kelly will be helping Ottawa police promote their crime prevention strategies.