The normally ‘dazzling’ Chamber Awards Gala will not be in person again this year.
The Chamber announced Thursday that due to COVID-19 safety concerns, people will be applauding businesses, non-profit organizations, youth and extraordinary citizens from their homes.
However, the Chamber says this year will still include a new award for Diversity and Inclusion. Locals Restaurant, Foundation Hair Salon and Academy and the Foxy Box Wax Bar are all finalists for the category.
Other awards include Customer Service, Heritage Recognition, Innovative Business, Land of Plenty and others. The full list can be found on the Chamber’s website.
Each organization is judged on a variety of criteria based on its category.
The auction will be held online this year as well and will be presented by the Upper Island Women of Native Ancestry (UIWONA). The UIWONA has been providing programs and services to Indigenous women, children and families in the Comox Valley and North Island since 1991.
Bidding for the auction will be open until Feb. 1.
Tickets will be on sale soon.