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SRI family member receives a Good Samaritan award

By SRIYHA, 10/06/20, 1:00PM EDT

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Former SRI Coach and parent George Cairns was recently honored with the Arnold Lumber Company Good Samaritan Award. George was recognized by Arnold Lumber for selflessly donating part of his liver to an employee in need. George and his wife Mary have made the incredibly generous decision to donate this award to the Southern Rhode Island Youth Hockey Association, presenting a check to SRIYHA in the amount of $1000, in order to further SRIYHA's efforts to help young hockey players develop and continue their passion for the game.  

Our sincere thanks to George, his wife Mary, and Arnold Lumber Company for their continued support of our community, and youth hockey and for setting a shining example of what it means to be a #RamFam!   

Read below for the original citation:

A Story of Inspiration:

Introducing Arnold Lumber's George E Cairns II Good Samaritan Award

Kevin Kennedy, one of Arnold Lumber's longest tenured sales team members, learned almost a year ago that he would need a liver transplant. The search began for a compatible donor, but this proved to be far more challenging than anticipated. Kevin discussed his predicament with many people and in doing so, he had a conversation with a person whom he had only known a short time. A customer. Someone who had no prior connection, no strong relationship, just a good person with a great heart.

When hearing of Kevin's needs, George E Cairns II offered to donate a portion of his liver. He was tested and found to be a perfect match - with one exception. Because of the difference in size between the two men, George's liver would be too big for Kevin and would not be viable unless he could lose 40 pounds in just 6 months. George immediately changed his lifestyle, ate better, exercised religiously and achieved his weight loss goal in just 3 months. 

The surgical procedures for both men were performed on November 19th of 2019. Kevin is doing well. There have been some bumps in the road, but he is heading in the right direction. All indicators are positive and he is working his way back to full health and getting back to 100%. 

George's selfless gift made us realize that Gratitude and Helping each other needs to be promoted and recognized. He has inspired us to start a new tradition. We would like to announce the first recipient of the "George E Cairns II Good Samaritan Award" celebrating acts of selflessness and kindness here at Arnold Lumber Company.  George E Cairns is the first recipient of the award named after him.

The award, $1000 to be given to the recipient to donate to the charity of his or her choice, will be presented to George and each year we will award an Arnold Lumber Company employee or customer who exemplifies these same traits.