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Hawaiian vacation, title of Alberta’s ‘most loving’ awarded to Athabasca woman

WATCH ABOVE: Thanks to a unique search and draw that took place Friday, one lucky person has won a tropical vacation. Michel Boyer reports.

EDMONTON — The search for the “most loving person in central Alberta” has come to an end. Athabasca’s Madena Reimer was awarded the title, and a free trip to Hawaii, Friday afternoon in Stettler, Alberta.

“I am overwhelmed with gratitude,” Reimer said after her name was drawn from 10 finalists. “My heart if just flying inside.”

The generous gift came from Cody and Eva Borek, who were given the trip when they bought a new vehicle at Aspen Ford Sales Ltd. In hopes of paying it forward, the couple wanted to give away the trip to someone who lives a caring, loving life. And so began their search for what they called the “most loving person in central Alberta.”

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Cody and Eva put out the call on Facebook, asking the public to nominate people they thought were deserving of the five-day trip to Hawaii. They ended up receiving more than 15,000 nominations.

“There are so many incredible stories out there,” said Cody.

“We narrowed it down to 10 and these 10 people left the biggest marks on our heart.”

On Friday afternoon at the Aspen Ford dealership Stettler, the 10 finalists’ names were put into a hat. The winner, Madena Reimer, was drawn by Cody’s brother.

“I really did not expect to win,” said Reimer, who is originally from Newfoundland but now calls Athabasca home.

The two-time cancer survivor thanked the Boreks for sharing their kindness, something she tries to do on a daily basis. She also thanked her family and friends who nominated her.

“[This] is going to go down in history as one of the biggest days of my life,” said Reimer. “I will never forget this day.”

In a surprising twist, the dealership gave away three additional trips to Hawaii. One went to a member of the RCMP who was one of the 10 finalists. Another was donated to a silent auction, which is raising funds for Const. David Wynn’s memorial fund. The third trip was given to Cody and Eva.

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“This one they can’t give away,” Tim Berry, the dealer principal, said with a laugh.

Reimer’s trip to Hawaii includes flights and accommodations. And thanks to an anonymous donor, it also includes meals and spending money.

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