NOMINATE SOMEONE ESSENTIAL - THE RESULTS

During 15 days from May 1 - May 15th, 2020, we asked the Internet to nominate their ‘Essential Somebody’. Ideally, to celebrate someone that, amid the current COVID-19 Coronavirus, have been keeping their community safe, secure, and moving ahead. At the close of the submission period, 11:59pm on May 15th, we received 77 confirmed submissions, and then spent time going through an incredibly difficult decision making process.

We read nominations for teachers, nurses, doctors, Translink employees, care aids, retailers, an automotive mechanic that is new to Canada, and a caterer with a big heart. Each nominee is going above and beyond to protect us, to care for us, to give back, pay forward, work a little harder, and selflessly volunteer a little more.

In every instance, the 77 nominees are putting themselves last. In every instance, the 77 nominees are deserving of rewards and accolades in their own unique right.

We reviewed each nomination several times, and we invited feedback and guidance from our local newspaper to assist us in objective decision making. We decided that we couldn’t possibly give out just 1 prize, that if we could, we would try to do a little more ourselves - so we made it 3. Even still, there remains so many deserving people.

It’s times like these that truly shows what a community and province can be made of - and ours is made of strength, resilience and compassion. 3 pretty important traits.

On that note, we’re thrilled and honoured to announce our 3 winners, and shown in no particular order:

1.) Wayne Mitchell

Nominated by: Justine Campbell

“My dad has been a paramedic for well over 20 years. He will be 63 this June, and is still working full-time. With seniors being at a much higher risk for symptoms of COVID-19, our family has been very worried about our Dad being on the front lines. In his typical fashion, he continues to work despite this risk and the stress in order to support the community and those in need. 

My Dad has always put others ahead of himself. He is truly one of the most genuine and selfless people I have ever known. My parents have 5 kids, and my Dad working as a paramedic was the only income we had growing up. My brothers and I never went without though, - my Dad made sure of it. He would work overtime to make sure that we could play soccer, be in art class, go to movies with friends and have nice clothes. 

Meanwhile he drove a beater car and would wear the same worn out jeans and runners with a t-shirt that he had owned since the 80’s. To me the most inspirational part is that he never complained or expected anything - not even a thank you. That same selfless attitude of his continues today as he cares for our sick and injured. He doesn’t complain as he puts on his uniform, and packs his lunch to go work another 12 hour shift in the midst of a global pandemic. 

He doesn’t expect a thank you or a reward for being almost a senior himself and still working the front lines. My Dad never does anything for himself and this little getaway would be a wonderful tribute and way to show him that his hard work ethic and selflessness are appreciated as he continues to work in these uncertain times. Thank you for the opportunity to do something for someone who is always putting others first.”

2.) Zenobia Wall

Nominated by: Jessica Wall

“I am nominating my Mom, Zenobia Wall, for this retreat package. My Mom is a server inside Chartwell Willow Retirement Community which is a care home in Maple Ridge. She is a server on the lower floor and serves the most vulnerable seniors who are suffering from dementia and require maximum care. 

While most in the service industry are no longer working due to the COVID pandemic, my Mom is still required to come in each day because she is considered an essential worker. There has currently been an outbreak at my Mom’s work and she is still required to go in because these vulnerable seniors still need to eat and be cared for during these incredibly difficult times. My Mom wears a face shield, face mask and gloves for each shift, and says it is very hot. 

The work does not end when my mom leaves the retirement home, either. When she comes home she has to remove all her clothes in the garage, change, sanitize and wash her clothes immediately. When I asked my Mom why she wouldn’t consider retiring or taking time off during this stressful period, she insisted that this just wasn’t an option. “The Seniors need me” she said “it is very stressful for them and they need comfort”. This is one example of how selfless my mom is and she has been this way ever since I can remember. 

My Mom is the most kind and hard working person and she deserves a relaxing getaway. Mother’s Day is coming up and it just happens to fall on my late brothers birthday this year. My brother passed away in 2011 and he would have been turning 30 on this day. It is hard on us all but I can’t even imagine how hard it will be for my Mom on that day. It is heartbreaking to me  and I just feel like my Mom would really benefit from a peaceful retreat away from everything right now. I know there are probably a lot of wonderful and deserving nominees out there but I hope you will consider my Mom for this prize.”

Nominee: Asheton Finnson

Nominated by: Gail Finnson

“Asheton is my daughter-in-law. She has been a full time paramedic with BC Ambulance for 10+ years. Even with 2 toddlers at home she continues to give her all during her 12 hours shifts; (Amidst the current pandemic), she faces every kind of sickness, trauma & death. She is such a dedicated, caring professional. She has transported many people struggling with COVID-19 and cares for them with great compassion. She's looking tired, and a little break at beautiful Loon Lake would be amazing 👌.”