A local woman is in the running to win a unique contest.
Athabasca’s Madena Reimer was placed among the top 10 in the ‘Most Loving Person In Alberta’ contest initiated by an Alberta couple who wanted to give something back to someone who deserved a gift.
Reimer, who is the transportation coordinator for the Road To Hope charity that assists cancer patients in the Athabasca and Lac La Biche region in getting to appointments and treatments, was surprised a few weeks ago when she was tagged in a nomination post for the contest.
“One of my friends – Shelly – had nominated me for this ‘Most Loving Person in Alberta,” said Reimer.
“And I said, ‘Well, there must be a mistake.’ And I went on to read it, she’s talking about how amazing I am, all these great things. I’m like – Wow, I can’t believe this.”
The contest was a result of Cody Borek and his wife, who live in the small village of Sterling that is located southeast of Lethbridge.
The couple were given a free trip to Hawaii after purchasing a new vehicle and came up with an idea to give it away.
“I talked to my wife and we’re both pretty lucky. We’ve got jobs and we got a lot of good going our way, so we decided to pay something forward and we decided on the trip,” said Borek.
“[We’re] looking for somebody who’s loving, caring, forgiving, humble, just living a really good life.”
The contest went viral, being shown on all over the world on various media. They received about 15,000 nominations.
“(Reading the nominations) feels way better then I imagine a trip to Hawaii ever could. There’s so many amazing people and so many amazing things. It’s just so inspiring and it’s really become about so much more than a trip. It’s just giving recognition to the people who help out in life and to go above and beyond,” Borek stated.
From that list, Reimer made the top 22 and then named as one of the finalists on Friday.
“I am overwhelmed, honored and humbled and amazed, actually,” she said.
“It just makes my heart smile and my heart’s been very sad for quite a while. So, this just tugs at my heartstrings to know that others out there see me and love me and see what I do and want to acknowledge that is kind of leaves me speechless.”
Reimer received over 100 nominations, which is something she still can’t get over.
Many of the posts had to do with her work through Road to Hope and the fact that she has survived cancer – twice.
“I help people with cancer (…) so I deal directly with cancer patients and I know what it’s like to be there, because I’ve been there,” Reimer said.
“I know what they’re feeling and I know what they’re going through and, for me, to be able to help somebody is going through what I’ve been through is what inspires me.”
She believes what she does is something that everyone does, she’s just getting recognition for it.
“I try really hard every day to make a difference. You know, take muffins to the hospital or visit a senior or visit someone in palliative care or to go that extra mile,” she said.
“But, so many people do. It’s just not anything new in our community but to be one of, it’s just nice for people to know that in our little town there is amazing people who go above and beyond every day.”
The end of the contest comes on Friday with the winner will be pulled out of a hat. However, no matter if she wins or not, Reimer is going to continue doing what she loves.
“When I die I want people to know that I have emptied every I have and give everything I’ve had and spent my life trying to help others and when you put your whole heart into being and giving it makes for a wonderful life,” Reimer stated.
“I’ve touched lots of lives, but I’ve lost lots of lives. But, you have to go on. You have to keep touching the lives that still need you.”
