Going above and beyond during a time of need for a popular Nova Scotia singing chorus resulted in recognition by the provincial tourism association for an employee of an Amherst hotel.
But for Kris Reid, who works at the Travelodge in Amherst, what he did for a member of the Men of the Deeps is something he would do again for anyone in need.Reid was honoured during the recent Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia conference as a recipient of a Pineapple Award winner in recognition and celebration of the province’s Pride in Service.
“I’m incredibly humbled,” Reid said.
Launched in 1995, the Pineapple Award recognizes individuals who go above and beyond what is expected to enrich a visitor’s stay in our province. Nominees are people who exceed service expectations and positively impact those around them through their outstanding service ethic — sometimes even community members who simply make their corner of Nova Scotia a special place to live.
Last June, Reid hosted the Men of the Deeps, North America’s only Coal Miners’ Choir, for a concert at the hotel.
The group performed at the hotel on a Saturday night, stayed at the hotel and were set to travel to their second show on P.E.I. the following day.
Reid said he was approached by a couple of members of the group who told him one of the members needed to return to Glace Bay because of a family emergency.
After calling around Amherst, he found quotes for the nearly 500-kilometre drive to Cape Breton ranged between $1,500 and $1,700.
At the same time another member of the group was feeling unwell and needed to go home as well.
Kris Reid was recently presented with a Pineapple Award during the Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia conference in Halifax. Reid, who works at the Amherst Travelodge, took it upon himself to drive two members of the Men of the Deeps home to Cape Breton after experiencing family medical emergencies.
“I didn’t think it would be fair for the Men of the Deeps, who had been so gracious to perform for us, to have to cancel their P.E.I. performance, and the cost of the taxis was unreasonable. So, I offered to drive the two men home myself. It was as simple as that. It wasn’t heroic or extraordinary — just the right thing to do. I didn’t expect anything in return. I just hoped that if my own family ever found themselves in a similar situation, someone would help them, too.”
Reid said the five-hour drive was one he’ll never forget.
“We had the best conversations. I learned about their families. They shared stories from their careers in the mines, the history of coal mining, their travels and performances around the world — including singing with Rita MacNeil,” Reid said. “They told me about the venues they've played, the artists they've met and the lives they’ve lived before, during, and after mining. I shared some of my own experiences working offshore, in the paper mill, and in hospitality, as well as asking about my children and family.
“Before I knew it, we were pulling into their driveways. They were home safely with their loved ones. The rest of the choir continued to PEI, and everyone was exactly where they needed to be.”
Reid said he was incredibly surprised in late October when he was told by TIANS he was receiving the award.
“It was truly a surprise. All I did was drive some men home,” he said.
During the TIANS gala, Reid was surprised to learn the Men of the Deeps were performing and they recognized him with a nod and an invitation to the after-party with his wife, Trisha.
“I am extremely proud and deeply honoured to have been nominated and chosen for a Pineapple Award this year. Out of so many deserving individuals and groups across Nova Scotia, to be recognized for simply giving two men a lift home is incredibly humbling,” Reid added. “It was truly a pleasure to help and an even greater pleasure to spend a beautiful day driving through our province with two remarkable storytellers and musicians.”
In presenting the award, TIANS recognized how Reid went above and beyond in providing service.
“A return trip Amherst to Glace Bay nonstop is nearly 10 hours, but Kris did it all with a smile and caring attitude,” the inscription said. “And something extraordinary happened during that day; the men shared stories about growing up and going down into the mines for work. They expressed their love of sharing those stories through song with the choir; and during the journey new bonds of friendship were formed.
“Kris refused any reimbursement, simply saying it was the right thing to do, and he hoped that someone would do the same, if one of his parents ever needed help.”
Kris Reid (centre) accepted his award from Lt. Gov. Mike Savage and Kevin Toth, chair of the Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia.