The 2023 YANA Valley Vonka came to a conclusion Monday night at Hot Chocolates, as the Golden Ticket winners claimed their prizes in a private ceremony.
Up for grabs were:
• Mt Washington Family Alpine Seasons Pass for 2023/24 winter season, up to a family of 5, (value $3,500)
• The Old House Hotel & Spa two-night stay package, Locals Restaurant dinner voucher and Family Spa credit for two (Value $1,000)
• The Kingfisher Oceanside Resort and Spa (Value $1,000)
• Peninsula Co-Op Gas Card (Value $1,000)
• Canadian Tire Shopping Spree (Value $1,000)
• Quality Foods Comox Gift Card (Value $1,000)
Each of the sponsors drew one ticket. The corresponding name on that ticket won the prize being offered by that sponsor.
In addition to the grand prizes, there was also a colouring contest. Hundreds of young artists dropped their entries off at the Comox Valley Record, and judges from YANA picked the following three winners:
• Under 6 - Budrina Badrin (age 5)
• 7-9 years - Olivia Tinga (age 9)
• 10-12 years - Otto Mortyn (age 12)
The real winner was You Are Not Alone (YANA), the benefactor of the 2023 Valley Vonka. YANA is a community organization offering help to Comox Valley families who need to travel for medical treatment for a child or for a pregnant mother, and this year, the Valley Vonka raised $18,500 in chocolate bar sales for the local charity, which included $5,419.05 collected through donations collected by Hot Chocolates from their customers.