Nominations are now being accepted for the 2018 Comox Valley Local Hero Awards, but only until the end of the month.
The Local Hero Awards were created in 2016 - an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of individuals within the community.
The event is made possible by the selfless contributions of the entire community; from those who make the nominations, to the judging panel, and the award sponsors.
The title sponsor this year is Courtney & Anglin Real Estate Group
There are a dozen different categories to consider.
The Seniors’ Champion, sponsored by Busch & Company, recognizes a senior citizen (65 years or older) who has made an outstanding voluntary contribution to enrich the social, cultural or civic life or our community.
The Environmental Hero is sponsored by 40 Knots Vineyard. This will go to someone who makes a positive contribution to the community by championing environmentally friendly initiatives.
The Arts Ambassador, sponsored by the Comox Valley Airport, honours a person, or people, deemed “vital to the diversity of our community, who encourages participation, and social well-being.”
Coach(es), sponsored by Canadian Tire, recognizes someone “exemplary in developing skills and confidence in participants, inspires youth, and who encourages a high level of athletic achievement and commitment.”
The Community Builder, sponsored by Searle’s Shoes — a new sponsor for the Local Hero Awards — will be a person or group “that has taken the initiative to engage residents in an innovative or new community project or event. The initiative might encourage different groups to collaborate, address a gap in community participation, or result in a more inclusive, engaged community initiative/event.”
Sunwest RV returns as the Community Volunteer sponsor. This award is given to someone who “makes a positive contribution to the community by volunteering their time.”
Another new sponsor this year is Marion Logan of Invis West Coast Mortgages, for the Courage & Bravery Award. This award recognizes someone who has put their own safety at risk in coming to the aid of another.
The Educator Award, sponsored by Crown Isle, will go to someone who demonstrates a high level of ethics and professional standards, is an inspirational motivator, excellent communicator, good listener and a reliable resource to the community and his/her students.
Waypoint Insurance will once again sponsor the Emergency Services Award, going to a person “exemplary in the area of emergency services and unselfishly shoulders enormous responsibility while accepting the potential risks and challenges of the job.”
The Unsung Hero, sponsored by First Financial Credit Union & Insurance, honours someone who has made a positive contribution to the community through their work and has gone beyond to support the community and/or cause.
The Youth Volunteer award, sponsored by Finneron Hyundai, recognizes someone under the age of 18, who had made a positive contribution to the community through volunteer efforts.
And finally, the Hero of the Year - This individual rises above the rest by demonstrating unwavering leadership, compassion and community spirit in all that he or she does. He or she makes a genuine and significant contribution to the Valley and is a natural community role model. The Old House Hotel & Spa sponsors this award.
Nominating someone is easy. Simply go to http://hero.comoxvalleyrecord.com, click “SUBMIT A NOMINATION” and follow the directions.
We all know of a hero or two in our community. Let’s make sure that this year everyone else knows of them, as well. Nominations close at noon on March 1.