A couple from Burns Lake will soon be on their way to the tropics to get married for free, and they learned of their big win on television as the province watched.
Global TV held a contest for a wedding excursion to the Mayan Riviera and one of the finalist couples was Leona West and Dwayne Joseph from Burns Lake, both affected directly by the Babine Forest Products blast. When the mill, their main household income, exploded on Jan. 20 it looked like the end of the couple's wedding plans for the time being but the community encouraged them to enter the contest, since there was an online voting component as well.
On Wednesday morning, morning show host Sophie Lui had West and Joseph on-screen via skype and she announced them as the winners.
"The community has really been pulling together," said West, describing the support they received. Through tears of gratitude West added, "this is for Burns Lake."
Burns Lake mayor Luke Strimbold said this was a rallying point for Burns Lake residents wanting to feel some joy following the tragic explosion that killed two, injured about 20 others, traumatized more, and severely impaired the town's economy.
"It's a good spirit booster for us all in Burns Lake," he said. "It made a real impact at the breakfast this morning, sharing the news with the Babine family that has really come together every week."
Each Wednesday, a breakfast is held at the Margaret Patrick Memorial Centre for all the affected workers of the explosion, and Global TV's segment was held only moments before that event got underway so when the happy couple arrived, the crowd could cheer them in.
The prize included a free trip for 12 to a four-star resort in Mexico, including wedding co-ordination and features (flowers, makeup, dinner, photos, wine and cake, etc.) at the site. It was valued at $20,000.
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