Victoria furniture store owner and philanthropist Gordy Dodd is being recognized for his accomplishments.
Dodd is receiving the 2019 Lifetime Achievement award from The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce for the many hats he’s worn in the city of Victoria.
“Gordy’s story deserves to be told. Anyone who has spent time in our city knows who Gordy is, has seen him on TV and recognized his talent for promotion,” said Al Hasham, Chair of the Board of Governors. “But there’s so much more to Gordy. He cares so much about his community and has taken action to improve the lives of many, many people.”
Dodd opened Dodd’s Furniture and Mattress in 1977, and 42 years later his furniture store is the largest independent furniture retailer on Vancouver Island.
Along with his one-of-a-kind mattress and furniture commercials – featuring anything from grizzly bears to Batman – Dodd became known in the city for his Peace Walks to raise money for Victoria Hospice, and his annual Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners for people in need.
The dinners, held across the Island, see thousands enjoy festive meals every year.
Dodd said he hopes his efforts inspire others.
“Really, there are not too many homeless. We can solve this,” Dodd said. “I just want people to (think about the fact) we live in a rich country, and most people are doing pretty good. If we all just do a little bit we can solve a lot of problems.”
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The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce has been awarding annual business awards since 2002. This year, awards will be presented in 13 categories, including the Governors’ Lifetime Achievement Award.
Finalists will be announced for all other categories in February. The 2019 Business Awards Gala will is May 16 at the Fairmont Empress.
RELATED: 2018 Vancouver Island Business Awards honour industry-leading companies
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