When Constable Matt Parker saw a homeless woman walking in the snow near downtown North Bay with no shoes on, he knew he had to help.
He rapped on the door at Rebuilt Resources in North Bay, got the cleaner's attention, and he was able to get in, grab some shoes and quickly rushed them over to the woman in need.
It is selfless acts like these that have led the North Bay Police officer to be nominated for the Police Services Hero of the Year Award – On Duty Difference Maker.
It is an award created by the Police Association of Ontario.
"There's a guy who is on his off time helping people in times of need and he's doing it when he is on duty and it is a different side of policing people don't get to see all the time," said Sgt. Aaron Northrup, the North Bay Police Association President, about Parker.
" Matt is out there, a lot of officers are doing the same thing as Matt, and kudos to Matt for getting this nomination. "
Parker, who moved from England to North Bay in 2006, is involved with a number of local programs and is on the Rebuilt Resources board of directors.
The 49-year-old father of two helped organize Community Closet; a program at the NB Police Services that provides clothing/necessities that can be provided to individuals that may not have these items during their interactions with the Police.
He has coordinated with a local non-profit organization to ensure on-duty officers have access to funds they could utilize to feed those in-need during their shifts by accessing Tim Horton's gift cards.
He encourages his children to participate with him in a number of community fundraising charity events and community activities such as deliveries for the Santa Fund and participating in a Road hockey tournament in support of the Strong Kids Campaign.
He also organized "Clothing Wars," where he built many friendly competitions between Essential Services in the North Bay area to raise funds for the various charities the Service supports.
"I'm very lucky, I've never been in their position and it is just nice to be able to give back," said the humble officer about helping the unfortunate in the community.
As a father, he understands the scrutiny the homeless community is under within the city. He believes kindness should outweigh the need to judge the homeless.
"I worry about needles, I worry about my kids' safety when they are out and about," admitted Parker.
"But they (homeless) did not choose to become addicts, they did not choose to become homeless and we do have the ability to help."
