Meet the Team: Kerry Feeney

Kerry’s Journey from Volunteer to Team Member

Sometimes the people who become part of the heart of an organization arrive quietly — through a school permission form, a quick conversation at pickup, or a simple willingness to help where needed.

For Kerry, her journey with Trips for Kids Ottawa began when her son came home in Grade 7 with information about joining the school bike club.

“I chatted with Cat at pickup a couple of times and quickly realised it wasn’t just ANY bike club.”

What she saw was something much deeper than recreation. She saw a community built around connection, encouragement, and making sure every young person felt like they belonged.

Before long, Kerry started volunteering wherever she could. Sometimes that meant painting the TFKO “office.” Other times it meant baking muffins for pre-ride snacks. Like so many people who become connected to TFKO, she simply stepped in where help was needed.

Then one day she came across a Facebook post from Program Manager Cat Weaver looking for a part-time equipment manager.

“I hesitated at first as my bike repair skills are very limited,” Kerry admits. “But I decided to reach out anyways as I wanted to be part of this organisation that was having a positive impact not only on my family but also the greater community that I love.”

Today, Kerry’s role has grown far beyond equipment management.

“A little bit of everything!” she says when asked what her work involves.

From equipment management and program coordination to school liaison, translation, and community engagement, Kerry has become an essential part of the TFKO team. Alongside Cat, the two work closely together to keep programs running smoothly behind the scenes, often handling everything from volunteer coordination and food pickups to bus tickets, equipment repairs, and participant support.

“What allows me to do it all is working alongside Cat,” Kerry says. “Our skillsets complement each other so well that work feels like play!”

While there are countless moments that stand out, Kerry says what stays with her most is the perseverance of the youth participants themselves.

“Getting back up after a fall, trying a different approach when things aren’t working, the smiles despite the frustration and always a thumbs up at the end of the day.”

For Kerry, the most rewarding part of the work is seeing how deeply connected TFKO is to the families and communities it supports.

“Getting to know the participants and their families, seeing how connected we all are and knowing that our impact reaches far beyond those riding or skating.”

When asked what she would want someone learning about Trips for Kids Ottawa for the first time to understand, her answer perfectly reflects the spirit that keeps the organization moving forward.

“There is no such thing as an insignificant amount of help. Every dollar donated matters, every minute spent riding with the kids matters, every skate tied matters, every muffin baked matters, every like or share on Facebook matters because each act connects the community, it spreads the word, and it helps us reach more kids.”

And perhaps that is exactly what makes TFKO so special — a community built one small act of care at a time.