KELOWNA, B.C. — Robert Kelly, this year’s B.C. Professional Driver of the Year, has made his mark on the trucking industry, but it pales in comparison to the indelible influence he and his family have had on the lives of children in their communities.

Bob Kelly and his wife Karen have fostered more than 100 children since they began in 1967, a year after they were married.

Kelly received the award from the B.C. Trucking Association and Volvo Trucks Canada at the association’s Annual Management Conference June 8.

Today, Kelly is a company driver with Berry & Smith Trucking. He has also been an owner/operator leased to the same company, and before that, owned Kelly Towing in Hope, B.C.

As owner of his own towing company, Kelly won numerous awards for community involvement. He was even known to invite stranded clients into his home to stay while their vehicles were repaired, the BCTA said in a release.

Kelly joined Berry & Smith as an O/O in 1987 and become a company driver in 2011. He has taught many others how to safely drive truck, including his daughter Tammi who also drives for Berry & Smith. He and wife Karen are also parents to a 13-year-old daughter named Stefani.

While at Berry & Smith, Kelly has won numerous safety awards.

“Bob always has a smile on his face and a willingness to go above and beyond to help others,” said Matt Berry, president of Berry & Smith. “If he doesn’t have an answer to a question, he’ll find it for you. Bob’s motto is that if you are going to do a job, it should be done right and to the best of your ability.”

The award was presented by Volvo Trucks Canada’s Terry Warkentin.