With the celebrity world in its awards season – People’s Choice Awards on Jan. 11 and the Golden Globes on Jan. 15 – Peninsula residents are preparing for their own awards show; one to celebrate volunteeers’ phenomenal contributions to Peninsula communities.
“Hearts of the Community honour the real stars of our community,” News Review publisher Jim Parker said of the 14th annual Hearts of the Community Awards. “The awards recognize people who selflessly give their time and energy to make our community a better place.”
Through Hearts of the Community, Beacon Community Services and the Peninsula News Review will jointly honour outstanding volunteers in six categories, including service to seniors and service to children and families. An outstanding youth volunteer will receive a $1,000 scholarship.
People are encouraged to nominate candidates by Jan. 30.
Beacon Community Services board chair Bob Cronin noted volunteers are sometimes reluctant to step into the limelight.
“They work out of the goodness of their heart, not because they expect a reward,” he said. “Still, it seems only right for the community to thank them. And by accepting a Hearts nomination, they also focus attention on their particular project and on the importance of volunteerism – they may even serve as a model, or inspiration, for others to get involved in our community.”
Hearts of the Community nomination forms are online at www.beaconcs.ca, at the Peninsula News Review office, at 9843 Second St., at any Beacon Community Services’ Peninsula thrift store, the Shoal Activity Centre or at Beacon Community Services, at 9860 Third St.
All nominees will be honoured at a special community ceremony and luncheon on Feb. 16. The event, including lunch, is free to the community. Complimentary tickets will be available soon – watch the Peninsula News Review for details.
editor@peninsulanewsreview.com