Nominations are still being accepted for the inaugural Isleawards, but only until Dec. 31.
The only rule of this new P.E.I. award ceremony is that there are no rules. Islanders are asked to nominate extraordinary people to whom they’d like to say, “Thank you.”
Isleawards founder, Alex Maine, said about 65 nominations have come in so far, but he wants more.
“The bulk of them are actually from Charlottetown, and I’d really like to see some (Prince County) ones in there too because we’re going to be holding the (ceremony) in Summerside,” he said.
Maine, a 24-year-old from the United Kingdom, had the idea to bring his unique, not-for-profit award concept to the Island after marrying Wellington native Natalie Bernard last May.
He’s created two other successful ceremonies similar to the Isleawards, one in the U.K. and another in Halifax, N.S.
Nomination possibilities for the Isleawards are “boundless,” Maine said. In previous ceremonies he’s seen everything from family members and co-workers, kids nominating their parents who’ve kicked a drug habit, former prisoners who turned their lives around, and even guide dogs nominated by their owners.
The fourth annual Haliwards were handed out last month in Nova Scotia’s capital city, and now organizers are putting on a final push for potential Isleawards recipients.
Maine counts the 65 initial nominations as a good start. The Journal Pioneer has also come on board as the awards’ official media sponsor in hopes of drawing out even more extraordinary stories.
“If I compare (the number of nominations) to the ones we did in Halifax, the first year we had less than 50,” he said. “I’m really pleased with the way Islanders are reacting to it. A lot of people say it’s different and unique and it gives them the ability to nominate anybody who’s extraordinary in their life.”
Nominations can be made by visiting: Isleawards website and clicking on ‘nominate.’ More information can also be found on the Isleawards’ Facebook and Twitter feeds.
sbrun@journalpioneer.com
