One Stettler couple’s search for Alberta’s most giving person has proven to be more difficult, and more rewarding, than they could have imagined.

A new car purchase from a Stettler car dealership netted Cody and Eva Borek a free vacation to Hawaii — one they would rather see enjoyed by somebody more deserving.

“The community has been so good to us,” Cody said.

“We just wanted to give back in some way.”

On Dec. 25, the Boreks kicked off a province-wide search to find somebody deserving of a free vacation, one who lives through selfless acts of generosity.

Or, in Borek’s words, “somebody who represents Christ.”

Recent converts to Christianity, the couple wants the trip to go to somebody who best represents the values taught by Jesus.

“They don’t have to be Christian,” he said.

“We just ask that they’re loving, friendly and forgiving — qualities that Christ wanted us to live by.”

Launched on Christmas Day, response to the Borek’s appeal have been overwhelming.

“We’ve had over 100 nominations so far,” he said.

“It’s just been incredible.”

The five-day Hawaii vacation includes airfare, hotel and free several meals.

“What we’ve been finding is that people who don’t have much money are the ones that are the most selfless and giving,” he said.

“We’re not just going to give the trip to somebody who can’t afford it, that’s not the principle of what we’re doing — we’re just trying to find somebody who’s really loving.”

Cody and Eva have been blown away by some of the stories they’ve received so far, and quickly realized that choosing a recipient may be a bigger challenge than they first realized.

“There’s so many people who really deserve the trip,” he said.

“Trying to narrow the decision to just one pair of people — it’s going to be really, really hard.”

Nominations are open until Jan. 24, with the lucky recipient set to be announced the following day.

While the couple are humbled at the stories they’ve received thus far, knowing they’re giving the trip to a well-deserving person has proven to be more fulfilling than using the trip themselves.

“We wanted to do this in a way that focuses on two rules in the bible: love your neighbour as yourself, and love your God,” he said.

bryan.passifiume@sunmedia.ca

On Twitter: @sunbryanpass