special features - community leader awards 2015

TOP HONOUR:

HONOURABLE MENTION: HONOURABLE MENTION:

Person’s Name

Person’s Name

Person’s Name

Totatus inullau tatempossi de poria perum hictet que voluptur aut doluptas everum eos excepediti numque commodi tiisto offi-cium, quunt is assum cullit aut faceperum laccusam, te consequid ut inulluptia dolest voluptat atur si tenihit quas etur, sendundendam quae volorro mo dolorum dundae pa non el etum unturibust eum iur acerovid quia enit ut as ab iur?

Igentibus aborum nos aut eligeniatur reptas quas re, aut reperio. Maio voluptia corecerest earit, unda net eatur? Quiae exerum aut ant.

Alis nus adit minim es etus eum rendanisimi, illest, totat ommos audaepudia volum repudamus et del mollaborum arum reriorectur adi ducilit exped quo bea quatem sundeni entiunt ioreptae none ver-ferundit liquis adita dolendu ciendande di idebit quo maxim ea sum

idunt litiossitiis.Alis nus adit minim es etus eum rendanisimi, illest, totat ommos audaepudia volum re-

pudamus et del mollaborum arum reriorectur adi ducilit exped quo bea quatem sundeni enti-unt ioreptae none verferundit liquis adita dolendu ciendande di idebit quo maxim ea sum idunt litiossitiis.

Totatus inullau tatempossi de poria perum hic-tet que voluptur aut doluptas everum eos exceped-iti numque commodi tiisto officium, quunt is as-sum cullit aut faceperum laccusam, te consequid ut inulluptia dolest voluptat atur si tenihit quas etur, sendundendam quae volorro mo dolorum dundae pa non el etum unturibust eum iur acerovid quia enit ut as ab iur?


Alis nus adit minim es etus eum rendanisimi, illest, totat ommos audaepudia volum repuda-mus et del mollaborum arum reriorectur adi ducilit exped quo bea quatem sundeni entiunt ioreptae none verferundit liquis adita dolendu ciendande di idebit quo maxim ea sum idunt litiossitiis.

Totatus inullau tatempossi de poria perum hic-tet que voluptur aut doluptas everum eos exceped-iti numque commodi tiisto officium, quunt is as-sum cullit aut faceperum laccusam, te consequid ut inulluptia dolest voluptat atur si tenihit quas etur, sendundendam quae volorro mo dolorum dundae pa non el etum unturibust eum iur ace-rovid quia enit ut as ab iur?


Alis nus adit minim es etus eum rendanisimi, illest, totat ommos audaepudia volum repudamus et del mollaborum arum reriorectur adi ducilit exped quo bea quatem sundeni entiunt ioreptae none verferundit liquis adita dolendu ciendande di idebit quo maxim ea sum idunt litiossitiis.

TOP HONOUR:


Person’s Name

Person’s Name

Person’s Name

Totatus inullau tatempossi de poria perum hictet que voluptur aut doluptas everum eos excepediti numque commodi tiisto offi-cium, quunt is assum cullit aut faceperum laccusam, te consequid ut inulluptia dolest voluptat atur si tenihit quas etur, sendundendam quae volorro mo dolorum dundae pa non el etum unturibust eum iur acerovid quia enit ut as ab iur?


Totatus inullau tatempossi de poria perum hic-tet que voluptur aut doluptas everum eos exceped-iti numque commodi tiisto officium, quunt is as-sum cullit aut faceperum laccusam, te consequid ut inulluptia dolest voluptat atur si tenihit quas etur, sendundendam quae volorro mo dolorum dundae pa non el etum unturibust eum iur acerovid quia

quas re, aut reperio. Maio voluptia corecerest earit,

Alis nus adit minim es etus eum rendanisimi,

mus et del mollaborum arum reriorectur adi ducilit exped quo bea quatem sundeni entiunt ioreptae none verferundit liquis adita dolendu ciendande di

Totatus inullau tatempossi de poria perum hic-tet que voluptur aut doluptas everum eos exceped-iti numque commodi tiisto officium, quunt is as-sum cullit aut faceperum laccusam, te consequid ut inulluptia dolest voluptat atur si tenihit quas etur, sendundendam quae volorro mo dolorum dundae pa non el etum unturibust eum iur ace-rovid quia enit ut as ab iur?


Alis nus adit minim es etus eum rendanisimi, illest, totat ommos audaepudia volum repudamus et del mollaborum arum reriorectur adi ducilit exped quo bea quatem sundeni entiunt ioreptae none verferundit liquis adita dolendu ciendande di idebit quo maxim ea sum idunt litiossitiis.

Totatus inullau tatempossi de poria perum hic-tet que voluptur aut doluptas everum eos exceped-iti numque commodi tiisto officium, quunt is as-sum cullit aut faceperum laccusam, te consequid ut inulluptia dolest voluptat atur si tenihit quas etur, sendundendam quae volorro mo dolorum dundae pa non el etum unturibust eum iur acerovid quia enit ut as ab iur?


Alis nus adit minim es etus eum rendanisimi, illest, totat ommos audaepudia volum repuda-mus et del mollaborum arum reriorectur adi ducilit exped quo bea quatem sundeni entiunt ioreptae none verferundit liquis adita dolendu ciendande di idebit quo maxim ea sum idunt litiossitiis.

Identifyingand

recognizingordinarypeoplemaking

extraordinarycontributions

to ourcommunity.

| COACH | MENTOR | COURAGE | ABOVE AND BEYOND | EMERGENCY SERVICE | SERVICE OR-GANIZATION VOLUNTEER | VOLUNTEER | YOUTH VOLUNTEER | ENVIRONMENTAL LEAD-ER | COMMUNITY BUILDER | COACH | MENTOR | COURAGE | ABOVE AND BEYOND | EMER-GENCY SERVICE | SERVICE ORGANIZATION VOLUNTEER | VOLUNTEER | YOUTH VOLUNTEER | ENVIRONMENTAL LEADER | COMMUNITY BUILDER| COACH | MENTOR | COURAGE AND BEYOND |

TOP HONOUR:|

TOP HONOUR: EMERGENCY SERVICE Person’s Name EMERGENCY SERVICE Person’s Name|Person’s Name|Person’s Name SERVICE ORGANIZATION VOLUNTEER Person’s Name SERVICE ORGANIZATION VOLUNTEER Person’s Name | VOLUNTEER

| YOUTH VOLUNTEER TOP HONOUR: YOUTH VOLUNTEER TOP HONOUR:| ENVIRONMENTAL LEADER Person’s Name ENVIRONMENTAL LEADER Person’s Name | COMMUNITY BUILDER| COACH ER | COURAGE COURAGE COURAGE COURAGE |||| ABOVE AND BEYOND ABOVE AND BEYOND ABOVE AND BEYOND ABOVE AND BEYOND Totatus inullau tatempossi de poria perum hictet que voluptur ABOVE AND BEYOND Totatus inullau tatempossi de poria perum hictet que voluptur |Totatus inullau tatempossi de poria perum hictet que voluptur |Totatus inullau tatempossi de poria perum hictet que voluptur EMERGENCY SERVICE Totatus inullau tatempossi de poria perum hictet que voluptur EMERGENCY SERVICE Totatus inullau tatempossi de poria perum hictet que voluptur |Totatus inullau tatempossi de poria perum hictet que voluptur |Totatus inullau tatempossi de poria perum hictet que voluptur SERVICE ORGANIZATION Totatus inullau tatempossi de poria perum hictet que voluptur SERVICE ORGANIZATION Totatus inullau tatempossi de poria perum hictet que voluptur

VOLUNTEER VOLUNTEER VOLUNTEER | VOLUNTEER VOLUNTEER VOLUNTEER aut doluptas everum eos excepediti numque commodi tiisto offi- VOLUNTEER aut doluptas everum eos excepediti numque commodi tiisto offi-cium, quunt is assum cullit aut faceperum laccusam, te consequid ut

VOLUNTEER cium, quunt is assum cullit aut faceperum laccusam, te consequid ut

|aut doluptas everum eos excepediti numque commodi tiisto offi-|aut doluptas everum eos excepediti numque commodi tiisto offi-cium, quunt is assum cullit aut faceperum laccusam, te consequid ut

|cium, quunt is assum cullit aut faceperum laccusam, te consequid ut

YOUTH VOLUNTEER aut doluptas everum eos excepediti numque commodi tiisto offi- YOUTH VOLUNTEER aut doluptas everum eos excepediti numque commodi tiisto offi-cium, quunt is assum cullit aut faceperum laccusam, te consequid ut

YOUTH VOLUNTEER cium, quunt is assum cullit aut faceperum laccusam, te consequid ut

|aut doluptas everum eos excepediti numque commodi tiisto offi-|aut doluptas everum eos excepediti numque commodi tiisto offi-cium, quunt is assum cullit aut faceperum laccusam, te consequid ut

|cium, quunt is assum cullit aut faceperum laccusam, te consequid ut

ENVIRONMENTAL LEADER aut doluptas everum eos excepediti numque commodi tiisto offi- ENVIRONMENTAL LEADER aut doluptas everum eos excepediti numque commodi tiisto offi-cium, quunt is assum cullit aut faceperum laccusam, te consequid ut

ENVIRONMENTAL LEADER cium, quunt is assum cullit aut faceperum laccusam, te consequid ut

| COMMUN-ITY BUILDER ITY BUILDER ITY BUILDER | COACH COACH COACH | MENTOR

cium, quunt is assum cullit aut faceperum laccusam, te consequid ut MENTOR cium, quunt is assum cullit aut faceperum laccusam, te consequid ut inulluptia dolest voluptat atur si tenihit quas etur, sendundendam MENTOR inulluptia dolest voluptat atur si tenihit quas etur, sendundendam |cium, quunt is assum cullit aut faceperum laccusam, te consequid ut

|cium, quunt is assum cullit aut faceperum laccusam, te consequid ut inulluptia dolest voluptat atur si tenihit quas etur, sendundendam |inulluptia dolest voluptat atur si tenihit quas etur, sendundendam COURAGE cium, quunt is assum cullit aut faceperum laccusam, te consequid ut

COURAGE cium, quunt is assum cullit aut faceperum laccusam, te consequid ut inulluptia dolest voluptat atur si tenihit quas etur, sendundendam COURAGE inulluptia dolest voluptat atur si tenihit quas etur, sendundendam |cium, quunt is assum cullit aut faceperum laccusam, te consequid ut

|cium, quunt is assum cullit aut faceperum laccusam, te consequid ut inulluptia dolest voluptat atur si tenihit quas etur, sendundendam |inulluptia dolest voluptat atur si tenihit quas etur, sendundendam ABOVE AND BEYOND cium, quunt is assum cullit aut faceperum laccusam, te consequid ut

ABOVE AND BEYOND cium, quunt is assum cullit aut faceperum laccusam, te consequid ut inulluptia dolest voluptat atur si tenihit quas etur, sendundendam ABOVE AND BEYOND inulluptia dolest voluptat atur si tenihit quas etur, sendundendam | EMERGENCY SERVICE

SERVICE ORGANIZATION VOLUNTEER SERVICE ORGANIZATION VOLUNTEER SERVICE ORGANIZATION VOLUNTEER quae volorro mo dolorum dundae pa non el etum unturibust eum iur SERVICE ORGANIZATION VOLUNTEER quae volorro mo dolorum dundae pa non el etum unturibust eum iur acerovid quia enit ut as ab iur?SERVICE ORGANIZATION VOLUNTEER acerovid quia enit ut as ab iur?|quae volorro mo dolorum dundae pa non el etum unturibust eum iur |quae volorro mo dolorum dundae pa non el etum unturibust eum iur acerovid quia enit ut as ab iur?|acerovid quia enit ut as ab iur? VOLUNTEER quae volorro mo dolorum dundae pa non el etum unturibust eum iur VOLUNTEER quae volorro mo dolorum dundae pa non el etum unturibust eum iur acerovid quia enit ut as ab iur? VOLUNTEER acerovid quia enit ut as ab iur? YOUTH VOLUNTEER quae volorro mo dolorum dundae pa non el etum unturibust eum iur YOUTH VOLUNTEER quae volorro mo dolorum dundae pa non el etum unturibust eum iur | ENVIRONMENT-

AL LEADER AL LEADER AL LEADER | COMMUNITY BUILDER COMMUNITY BUILDER COMMUNITY BUILDER acerovid quia enit ut as ab iur?

COMMUNITY BUILDER acerovid quia enit ut as ab iur?

Igentibus aborum nos aut eligeniatur reptas quas re, aut reperio. COMMUNITY BUILDER Igentibus aborum nos aut eligeniatur reptas quas re, aut reperio. |acerovid quia enit ut as ab iur?

|acerovid quia enit ut as ab iur?

Igentibus aborum nos aut eligeniatur reptas quas re, aut reperio. |Igentibus aborum nos aut eligeniatur reptas quas re, aut reperio. COACH acerovid quia enit ut as ab iur?

COACH acerovid quia enit ut as ab iur?

Igentibus aborum nos aut eligeniatur reptas quas re, aut reperio. COACH Igentibus aborum nos aut eligeniatur reptas quas re, aut reperio. COURAGE Igentibus aborum nos aut eligeniatur reptas quas re, aut reperio. COURAGE Igentibus aborum nos aut eligeniatur reptas quas re, aut reperio. | ABOVE AND BEYOND | EMERGENCY SERVICE EMERGENCY SERVICE EMERGENCY SERVICE Maio voluptia corecerest earit, unda net eatur? Quiae exerum aut EMERGENCY SERVICE Maio voluptia corecerest earit, unda net eatur? Quiae exerum aut

ant. EMERGENCY SERVICE ant.|Maio voluptia corecerest earit, unda net eatur? Quiae exerum aut |Maio voluptia corecerest earit, unda net eatur? Quiae exerum aut ant.|ant. SERVICE ORGANIZATION VOLUNTEER Maio voluptia corecerest earit, unda net eatur? Quiae exerum aut SERVICE ORGANIZATION VOLUNTEER Maio voluptia corecerest earit, unda net eatur? Quiae exerum aut ant. SERVICE ORGANIZATION VOLUNTEER ant. | VOLUNTEER | YOUTH VOL-

CommunityLeader

quae volorro mo dolorum dundae pa non el etum unturibust eum iur

Igentibus aborum nos aut eligeniatur reptas quas re, aut reperio. Maio voluptia corecerest earit, unda net eatur? Quiae exerum aut

| VOLUNTEER quae volorro mo dolorum dundae pa non el etum unturibust eum iur VOLUNTEER quae volorro mo dolorum dundae pa non el etum unturibust eum iur |quae volorro mo dolorum dundae pa non el etum unturibust eum iur |quae volorro mo dolorum dundae pa non el etum unturibust eum iur YOUTH VOLUNTEER quae volorro mo dolorum dundae pa non el etum unturibust eum iur YOUTH VOLUNTEER quae volorro mo dolorum dundae pa non el etum unturibust eum iur

COACH Igentibus aborum nos aut eligeniatur reptas quas re, aut reperio. COACH Igentibus aborum nos aut eligeniatur reptas quas re, aut reperio. |Igentibus aborum nos aut eligeniatur reptas quas re, aut reperio. |Igentibus aborum nos aut eligeniatur reptas quas re, aut reperio. MENTOR Igentibus aborum nos aut eligeniatur reptas quas re, aut reperio. MENTOR Igentibus aborum nos aut eligeniatur reptas quas re, aut reperio. |Igentibus aborum nos aut eligeniatur reptas quas re, aut reperio. |Igentibus aborum nos aut eligeniatur reptas quas re, aut reperio. COURAGE Igentibus aborum nos aut eligeniatur reptas quas re, aut reperio. COURAGE Igentibus aborum nos aut eligeniatur reptas quas re, aut reperio.

SERVICE ORGANIZATION VOLUNTEER Maio voluptia corecerest earit, unda net eatur? Quiae exerum aut SERVICE ORGANIZATION VOLUNTEER Maio voluptia corecerest earit, unda net eatur? Quiae exerum aut 2015

HONOURABLE MENTION:

Person’s NameAwards

ENVIRONMENTAL LEAD- ABOVE AND BEYOND

YOUTH VOLUNTEER MENTOR | COURAGE

SERVICE ORGANIZATION VOLUNTEER COMMUNITY BUILDER| COACH

EMERGENCY SERVICE | SERVICE ORGANIZATION ENVIRONMENTAL LEADER

CAPITAL news

2015 Community Leader Awards

•Publisher:

Karen Hill•

Editor:Barry

Gerding•

Sales Lead:Dennis

Gabelhouse•

Creative ServicesManager:

TessaRingness

•Creative Designer:

NancyBlow•

Photogrpahy:Kevin Parnell

&Barry Gerding

•DistributionManager:

Glenn Beaudry

•

CONGRATULATIONS to the 2015 RECIPIENTS

They are not often recognized and

all feel there are others more deserving… these are true

Community Leaders

I count myself lucky to live in such a beautiful place and am extremely thankful for the individuals in the Central Okanagan that go above and beyond to make this one of the best communities. These individuals do a great deal of work that often goes unrecognized providing much needed services to many organization in & around our community. These people are truly community leaders and can often be found volunteering in our schools, coach-ing on a sports � eld, providing care to those less fortunate or behind the scenes of local events that take place in & around our community. Many of these wonderful people have families of their own but still � nd the time to make a di� erence by sharing their empathy, enthusiasm, inspira-tion and energy.

The Community Leader Awards was created to recog-nize and honour the commitment and e� orts that are essential to maintaining this growing community. Some of these stories will tug at your heartstrings, others will bring

a smile to your face, I guarantee every one will leave you feeling grateful that we have dedicated community volun-teers! As you read through this section I am hopeful that you will feel inspired and be encouraged to ask yourself, “What more could I do?”

Many of our readers nominated individuals this year and for that I am very grateful. I want to thank our community partners for all their e� orts in bringing forward nominees and then coming together to select the 31 outstanding honourees featured in this section. This was no easy task as every nominee was deserving of this recognition. A huge thank you to our sponsors for helping us honour the wonderful individuals whose stories we are about to share with you.

COF Kelowna Cap News Ad2 Aug 2015 • Rough 2 • Size: 9.25” wide x 5.25” high • Aug 26/15

ENDOWMENTS • GRANTS • COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP

To learn more about COF, visit www.centralokanaganfoundation.org

The Central Okanagan Foundation celebrates those individualswho help build our community through their inspired leadership.

Z32014 Community Leader Awards | October 2, 2014www.kelownacapnews.com

■ CoachMakes a positive contribution to their sport. Is

exemplary in developing skills and confidence in participants. A role model who inspires and encour-ages high athletic achievement.

■ MentorMakes a positive contribution by being a true

leader. An influential counselor, teacher or educator that provides support or sponsorship.

Demonstrates a high level of ethics and profes-sional standards, is an inspirational motivator, ex-cellent communicator, good listener and a reliable resource to the community.

■ CourageThis person has risen above adversity or formida-

ble challenges to become a success. As a result, they have had a positive effect on the people around them.

■ Above & BeyondThis person makes a positive contribution to

their community through their work. Someone who goes beyond the requirements of their job to support the community and make it a better place.

■ Emergency ServiceMakes a positive contribution to the community

by going the extra mile – over and above the call of duty. Is exemplary in the area of emergency services and unselfishly shoulders enormous responsibility while accepting the potential risks and challenges of the job.

■ Service Organization VolunteerThis individual makes a positive contribution to

the community by volunteering their time to one community service organization. This person is well thought of and is significantly relied upon by others in the organization.

■ VolunteerThis individual makes a positive contribution

to the community by volunteering their time to a variety of causes. They are dedicated to making a difference in several initiatives.

■ Youth VolunteerMakes a positive contribution to youth in the

community. Someone who is depended upon and committed to provide direction, programs and/or support to ensure our youth have positive experi-ences.

■ Environmental LeaderMakes a positive contribution to the community

by championing environmentally friendly initiatives. Someone who inspires others to be “green” by being a leader in ecologically sound practices.

■ Community BuilderSomeone who has taken the initiative to engage

a variety of local residents in an innovative or new community project or event. The initiative may assist different groups to work together, address a gap in community participation, or result in a more inclusive, engaged community.

Nomination Categories:

2015 Community Leader Awards | October 2, 2015 www.kelownacapnews.com

FOR GAME TICKETS VISIT SELECTYOURTICKETS.COM OR CALL 250 762 5050

TO ALL OUR

YOU MAKE KELOWNA

communityleaders

whl 50-58

Z4


Category Sponsored by:

TOP HONOUR:

HONOURABLE MENTION:

Many local heroes go unnoticed. Most heroes don’t do what they do for accolades, they do it because they genuinely care.

Lorena is a lady who has cared for, coached, embraced and loved each and every one of her players for the past 25 years. As one of the coaches for the Kelowna Grizzlies Special Olympics Softball team, she gives her heart and soul each and every season.

The Grizzlies have been to three Special Olympics World Games: 1999 in North Carolina where they won gold; 2011 in Greece where they won silver; and this year in Los Angeles where the B.C. team won the bronze medal.

As a coach, Lorena maximizes the player’s potential, and helps the player see his or her strengths, even when the going gets tough. She helps them play big and enjoy the journey, and shows the players it’s not simply about winning but also becoming his or her best.

“I do it because I love it,” Lorena said. “You’re not just teaching them softball, you’re teaching them about life skills, about exercise and being healthy.

“Seeing them succeed and their accomplishments, that’s the reward for me.”Lorena’s commitment is outstanding—conducting three practices a week, shopping for the team, travelling to Toronto

to attends meetings for the organization, and acting as driver for the players. Thanks to people like Lorena and the hard work of the players, the Grizzlies will become the � rst B.C. team ever to be

inducted into the Special Olympics Hall of Fame. Lorena is not only an inspiration to her players but to those who know and love her.

Lorena Mead

Laurie Denton

Coach

As a Registered Nurse who has worked in the � eld of human services for 30 years, Laurie Denton has assisted many people to enjoy better quality lives.

For the last two decades, she has specialized in direct services for adults with acquired brain injury, both in frontline and management positions. In her current position with Brain-Trust Canada, Laurie has helped to improve the lives of many, including Cyndee MacLeod.

In 1992, MacLeod was involved in a serious car accident and su� ered both spinal cord and brain injuries. MacLeod could neither walk nor speak, spent more than two years in hospital and found herself having to start all over.

In 2000, Laurie began working with MacLeod and helped her turn her life around.MacLeod is now fully self-su� cient, cares for herself and even drives a car. “Laurie was signi� cant in my life,” said MacLeod, now 55. “She was like my mom, she was

with me through some hard times and helped me get moving in the right direction.“It was a paid job for her, but she went above and beyond…she really cared,” said MacLeod.

“I’m grateful to Laurie for everything.”Now nearing her 15th year with the not-for-pro� t organization, BrainTrust Canada, Laurie supervises a team of 10 sta� who provide

a wide range of support services for adults with acquired brain injury and their families. Laurie is passionate about not only providing therapeutic interventions for people with ABI but about improving the quality of life

and life satisfaction of the people she supports.

Z6 2015 Community Leader Awards | October 2, 2015 www.kelownacapnews.com

have the drive inside to achieve more. Even as young

children, we know we are made for something

bigger.

At the YMCA, we believe everyone has a vital role to play in positively impacting today’s youth and we proudly support individuals and

organizations who are helping our young people reach their full potential.

ymcaokanagan.caCharity Registration # 11924 0224 RR0001

YMCA of Okanagan

The YMCA of Okanagan is delighted to sponsor the Mentorship category and congratulates all Community Leader Award winners and nominees.

All of us



TOP HONOUR:


Colleen Keeler identi� es her passion in life as working with and for children.

Keeler has been working as an early childhood educator for 20 years, the last decade speci� cally with the Central Okanagan YMCA to establish early childhood centres in Kelowna before recently moving on to a new task of overseeing early childhood education Y programs in West Kelowna.

“My focus has changed over the years from working with children directly to setting up high quality learning centres for children,” Keeler said.

“I get a lot of satisfaction from setting up education programs for children that they really bene� t from, and seeing the appreci-ation and relief of parents to know their children are able to have a great experience at a childcare facility or preschool program,” she said.

Keeler says today, the trend is swinging back to the belief that children learn best through play. “That is what brain develop-ment research is concluding and it’s what we been doing at the Y for some time now so we’ve been ahead of the pack on that philisophical shift,” she said.

Keeler has played a signi� cant role in ensuring gentle care and learning to many of our young minds in Kelowna.

Bumbershoot Children’s Theatre program. Her talents in her own right is as an actor, singer, dancer, writer, producer

and director, yet her greatest talent may be as a mentor to youth and adults in our community.

Her mandate has always been to engage and empower youth and adults, to help them develop the skills necessary to masterfully succeed in any part of the theatre/arts community and in their lives in general. She is an educator who ultimately teaches more than just theatre.

In addition to her role as artistic director of Bumbershoot, Ross helms an Excellence in the Arts and Residency program where she collaborates with teachers and students. She has also teamed up with the Okanagan Symphony and created Okanagan Sound Play, which has led to some youth composing and performing original music.

Ross treasures the opportunity to make a connection with youth. “We live in a world of possibilities, and there are so many possibilities out there for young people,” Ross said.

She also acknowledges many of her own mentors and supporters, from the theatre community in Vancouver to her current Bumbershoot sta� asso-ciates and long-time local theatre guru Neil Facey for any positive feedback coming her way.

Tracy Ross is an incredible mentor to youth and adults alike. Through her encouragement, passion and commitment, she empowers everyone she works with. She is someone who changes lives.

“Why wouldn’t you want to show the world the best YOU, you can be?”

- Tracy Ross This is a philosophy that Ross communi-

cates to every student she works with in the

ColleenKeeler

TracyRoss

Laura Thurnheer is a strong business leader in the Okanagan with a passion for the community and non-pro� t sector.

A respected professor at Okanagan College’s School of Business, Thurnheer was elected by faculty to take on the position of the Business Department Chair. Above her multifaceted responsibilities, she mentors students through coaching business competitions and advising student associations. She also participates in various committees and boards across the Okanagan.

She takes her passion, dedication, and strong leadership skills to a variety of non-pro� t organizations, illustrating her dedication to creating a positive impact on the community. Laura’s work ethic, focus, and passion for our community are inspiring.

“I am very pleased to be recognized in the mentor category as I do try to be a mentor to those around me whether they are my peers, other professional women, younger business colleagues or my students,” Thurnheer said.

“I realized a few years back that this was an area I cared deeply about and have been fortunate to be able to provide sup-port to many members of our community in my many di� erent roles.

“I have also received a great deal back as often the support is � ipped and others end up mentoring and supporting me. That is when you know you have developed a special, long- term relationship. ”

Laura ThurnheerM

entor

OkanaganYMCA of

YMCAof Okanagan


We are strong believers in giving back to the communities we serve to make

them a better place for everyone. Congratulations to all the Community Leader Award nominees who make a difference in our community. londondrugs.com

supporter

Proud



TOP HONOUR:


Michele Rule is the personi� cation of courage and serves as an inspiration for others. Those characteristics are re-� ected in her current and past volunteer support for local community groups, her time serving as an elected Kelowna city councilor and her current battle with a brain nerve illness that has a� ected her own quality of life.

Rule su� ers from a condition called Trigeminal Neuralgia, nerve damage on the right side of her brain, the painful symptoms of which she began to experience in August of last year.

“There are six di� erent variations of this disorder and I have what is called an atypical version,” she explained.

Doctors can’t explain why she has the disorder and she is searching to � nd a surgeon in Canada with the skills to carry out a sensitive op-eration to relieve the pain and discomfort. Rule has made contact with a Winnipeg surgeon who has some experience with the operation she needs. She says the medications she takes are not a long-term solution because of the side e� ects.

But in keeping with Rule’s outlook, she continues to give what time she can to the Central Okanagan Heritage Foundation advisory committee and the Central Okanagan Women’s Resource and Educa-tion Foundation.

Given her current health condition, she is also helping to promote International Trigeminal Neuralgia Awareness Day, taking place Oct. 7.

Her friend Avril Paice, with the Central Okanagan United Way, notes that despite her illness, Rule has shown tremendous courage in keeping her spirits up and moving forward in search of recovering her quality of life. “She is an inspiration to many people.”

Born and raised in Kelowna, Ralph Morrison has risen above the e� ects of bullying.

His journey to deal with that issue from his youth has led him on a path across Canada and authoring the book “The Fear Inside,” with a second book written but not yet published and a third book in the works.

The Fear Inside was Morrison’s attempt to empower individuals who struggle with bullying on a daily basis, to overcome that obstacle in their lives. His words proved e� ective and had an impact on those who identi� ed with Morrison’s childhood experiences, � nding a voice who o� ered compassion and recognition of their pain and frustration.

“I am a person who follows his heart and my heart was telling me to try and do more to help others,” Morrison said. “I’m a pretty humble guy on the outside, so I wasn’t expecting to get this kind of recogni-tion. On the inside, my heart has a huge smile.”

Morrison resides in Kelowna, and has worked in the construction industry for the past 25 years, when he’s not writing a book.

In 2014, Morrison took his story across Canada. With the support of others he traveled cross country via truck and camper, speaking to as many groups about bullying as he could.

His goal was to help others when and where he could, hoping to make a di� erence in people’s lives, even just one person at a time.

Morrison says his ultimate goal is to open up a discussion about how we treat each other, how we can do better.

If you read some of Ralph Morrison’s Facebook posts, you will see how many lives he has touched already.

RalphMorrison

MicheleRule

Life for Jason McIntosh seemed normal, balanced and successful. Happy with his career and home, he had many good friends, lots of interests and a supportive family.

There was no external reason he could blame for feeling as badly as he felt inside. Then life threw some unexpected problems in his way, and he began to withdraw from relationships and his interests. Bad weeks turned into bad months, to the point where six years ago he had lost everything he valued in his life—no job, no friends, no interests and facing eviction from his home.

For four years he hid from the world. Every person has a limit to how much inter-nal pain they can endure, and he realized that his limit was getting close, so with the support of his family he surrendered to his frustrations and sought help.

McIntosh began participating in the Canadian Mental Health Association Kelowna branch’s wellness programs. Listening to others share their most intimate

Jason McIntoshC

ourage

thoughts and deepest emotions despite their own fears was a revelation and an inspiration for him, as was seeing those expressed feelings reciprocated with non-judgemental empathy and compassion.

Two years ago, McIntosh expanded his participation with CMHA and became a volunteer peer mentor, applying what he had learned to help others. This May, he joined the CMHA branch sta� as a wellness coach.

“Jason inspires us all,” said Sharai Slattery, with CMHA. “His caring and compassionate nature along with his values and philosophy on recovery and wellness are having a positive impact on all who know him. Jason is the epitome of courage.”


24/7 Service. Call us day or night, we’re always available.

We’ll � nd the perfect caregiver for you.

It’s about not just health care.not just not just Caring,

We’re making lives better!

www.nursenextdoor.com • 250-762-0016 • [email protected]



TOP HONOUR:


of the � rst things she did was start an exercise and education program for seniors in West Kelowna.

Now living in Lake Country and working full time in Vernon, Paul-Jost has become an integral part of the community in Lake Country, � ghting to bring more health services to the community, through the Lake Country Health Planning Society, of which she joined in 2013 and now serves as president. The group has brought many services to Lake Country including an elder abuse tool kit, a directory of health services, an annual health and wellness fair and a Better at Home program for seniors.

Paul-Jost works in Vernon as a primary care coordinator overseeing the diabetes education centre as well as downtown Vernon primary care and the Enderby Community Health Centre. Her busy career means many of her volunteer hours come during the weekend and evenings. And she wouldn’t have it any other way.

“Volunteering is a way to get to know my community in a di� erent way,” she said. “It’s a way to give back. Lake Country has been very good to my husband and me, and I feel like I have some knowledge and skill that can be put to good use. It’s a lot of evenings and week-ends and early mornings. You have to have a great team around you and I have a wonderful, wonderful board that is willing to step in and help out.”

As soon as Shannon Paul-Jost came to the Central Okanagan in 2009, she started helping people.

A registered nurse by profession, one

For the past 15 years there has been one man who has dedi-cated his life to making sure things get done and are done well. That’s Hall manager Alf Roshinsky. His passion for people and the way he makes everyone feel welcome has made Roshinsky a major asset.

“I do this because I like doing it,” said Roshinsky mat-ter-of-factly. “This is basically my social life and it’s nice to be a part of. It’s a blue collar community which I like. People are un-pretentious. I’ve gotten to know a lot of people over the years and met a lot of friends. We’ve been through a lot of changes and we have a bunch of good people who work hard.”

Roshinsky, who at 78 says he isn’t close to retiring, is more than just the hall manager. He knows the building inside and out. He isn’t in it for the money or the glory and he isn’t com-fortable talking about himself, but those who work around him say he is everybody’s friend and works harder than most.

He may not be comfortable talking about what he does, but Alf Roshinsky shows his love for the community of Rutland with his work at Rutland Centennial Hall and the community it serves.

As the Rutland Centennial Hall comes up on its 50th anniversary in two years time, many people have come and gone, building the hall up into what is is today.

AlfRoshinsky

ShannonPaul-Jost

Kelowna � re� ghter Patrick Barton has been helping to save structures and assist Kelowna residents since becoming as a volunteer � re� ghter more than 20 years ago.

In 2004 Barton became a career � re� ghter with the Kelowna Fire Department, diving into a variety of good causes the Kelowna Fire Fighters Charitable Society sup-ports, which donates thousands of dollars back into the community every year.

in 2010 Barton became involved in the Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund, be-coming a camp councillor at the provincial burn camp, a retreat for burn survivors to spend time with their peers.

“Some of these kids come from horri� c backgrounds, not just burns but physical and emotional torment,” he said. “This is one week they can come and be themselves. They can take their shirts o� and show their scars. They wear them like a badge instead of being embarrassed. When you see those kids and how far they come year after year…they just � ourish.”

Barton is now a director with the BC Burn Fund which is in the process of building a permanent home in Kelowna to meet a shortfall in patient accommodation.

Kelowna � re� ghters, with Barton as the driving force, have raised $189,467.20 in the past � ve years including $100,000 to go towards the new building.

Patrick BartonA

bove & Beyond


KGH is expecting! A new expanded Perinatal Unit opens this

March. With your help, the KGH Foundation will raise the funds

necessary to equip this new unit with state-of-the-art, lifesaving

equipment, ensuring a future full of happy, healthy giggles.

Watch James’ story at givinggiggles.ca

givinggiggles.ca | #GivingGiggles | #KGHkid | 2268 Pandosy Street | 250-862-4438



TOP HONOUR:

HONOURABLE MENTION:HONOURABLE MENTION:

In addition to his practice at Rose Valley Veterinary Hospital, where he often treats abandoned animals at his own cost, Dr. Oz o� ers his clinic to house animals during emergency evacuations.

As to why he gives so freely, he said simply, “in order to take you have to give.”

“It’s part of what my wife and I do,” he said. “From day one with our practice, we decided if there was ever a need for people and their animals, we would try and do our best to help. It’s a crucial part of being part of a community.”

Dr. Oz moved to Kelowna six years ago. He was born and raised in Israel, and graduated with honours in 2006 from the University of Veterinary Medicine in Slovakia. He and his wife Noa moved to Canada soon after and � rst worked at Penticton Veterinary Hospi-tal. In December 2008 he became a father to a baby boy named Lee, then in April 2010 he and Noa became the owners of Rose Valley Veterinary Hospital. Their family now includes another son, Eli, and their adorable Schnauzer, Zuza.

In his spare time Moshe enjoys spending time with his family and training for triathlons including the Ironman races in which he has attended every year since 2008.

If there’s ever an animal in need, Kelowna residents know who to turn to.

The name Dr. Moshe Oz has become synonymous with generosity and com-passion when it comes to the needs of our four-legged companions.

The award is designed for an individual, but the Kelowna Detachment Auxiliary Constable Program is so important to our community that its volunteers are being honoured as a group.

Almost 70 members strong, there’s not a chink in their collective armour when it comes to ensuring that the gaps in the community are met.

They work tirelessly, day in and day out, with the sole pur-pose of ensuring that Kelowna, West Kelowna and Lake Coun-try residents have a safe place to call home. During 2014 alone, they contributed more than 16,000 hours of volunteer time.

They freely take time away from their jobs and families to assist the community in a number of ways, from being on hand in civil emergencies, at crime scenes, or even speaking at events aimed at educating everyone from school children or the business community on crime prevention.

“Their dedication to the program and their community is undeniable and should be recognized,” said special programs co-ordinator Bill Ginny.

Kelowna Detachment:Auxilliary Constable Program

Dr. Moshe Oz

Whether it’s a single family house-� re or a 500 acre forest � re, as the current volun-teer Emergency Social Service Director for the Regional District of the Central Okana-gan, Catherine Williams has been on call every hour of every day for the last 11 years.

Her support for the community and commitment to volunteering started more than 30 years ago in her role as the Safety O� cer at Okanagan College.

During the 2003 Okanagan Firestorm, Catherine was a volunteer and since 2004 has been the Director of Emergency Social Services since 2011. Her extensive emergency service knowledge, professionalism and passion for giving back to her community are the skills that have successfully led her teams in evacuating and caring for Kelowna residents in harm’s way.

When asked by a national news publication why she volunteered her time, she laughed and repeated a quote she � nds inspiration in.

“You make a living by what you do. You make a life by what you do,” she said, loosely quoting Winston Churchill. “To be part of a community and not do anything, I don’t understand that.”

Catherine also educates volunteers for the BC Justice Institute and volunteers at Kelowna General Hospital.Her e� orts have earned her praise in the past. Before receiving the Community Leader’s Award, she was the third person

to ever receive Okanagan College’s Distinguished Service Award in 2014. It is bestowed on employees who have given outstanding service to the community.

Catherine WilliamsEm

ergency Services


Serving Kelowna, West Kelowna, Merritt And Princeton B.C.Dispatch: 1-888-292-1581www.marios-towing.com

Proud Community Supporters

Community LeadersCoach

Gavin Hamilton, Kelowna Rockets; Lorena Mead; Laurie Denton; Cyndee MacLeod; Anne-Marie Hamilton, Kelowna Rockets

Ken Kroeker, Nurse Next Door; Shannon Paul-Jost; Patrick Barton; Alf Roshinsky; Nicole Blomerus, Nurse Next Door

Mentor

Dave Cronquist, YMCA; Colleen Keeler;Laura Thurnheer; Rachel Neufeld (accepting for Tracy Ross)

Courage

Heather Burbine, London Drugs; John Pereira, London Drugs; Ralph Morrison; Michele Rule; Jason McIntosh;

Shannon Hubick, London Drugs

Above and Beyond


We ♥

Drs.Oz and staff

We believe that our sense of community is vital in enabling us to share the experience of being part of one big animal loving family.

Thanks for your support.

#112-2476 Westlake Rd • www.kelownavet.ca • 250-769-9109

PROUD TO BE Your Pet’s Family Doctors

Community Leaders

Margie Cox; Shirley Schmidt; Terry Scott; Dennis MacLeod, The Co-Operators Solve Insurance

Youth Volunteer

Rick Potter; Joe Mahovlich (accepting for Stacey Smith); Ester Pajk; Laura Thurnheer, United Way

Volunteer

Barbie Ross; Maxine Harder; Rosslyn Ellett; Adrienne Skinner, UBCO

THE SECOND ANNUAL

Community Leaders Awards was held on

Monday, September 21, 2015 at

Okanagan College’s Centre for Learning.

Service Organization Volunteer

Holding the awards: Catherine Williams; Dr. Moshe Oz; Donna Jansons, representing the

Kelowna Detachment Auxiliary Constable Program; Presenter - Doug Rankmore, Okanagan College

Emergency Services Volunteer

Z16 2015 Community Leader Awards | October 2, 2015 Z172014 Community Leader Awards | October 2, 2015

September 21, 2015: A celebration of ordinary people making extraordinary contributions to our community

Community Leader honourees

were recognized at this festive

evening of food, music and refreshment.

If you know of an outstanding person whose contributions

make a di� erence in the community, plan to nominate

him or her in one of the categories for the

Community Leader Awards 2016.


Community LeadersEnvironmental Leader

Don Gandy, Save On Foods; Don Elzer; Bob Purdy; Isabel Pritchard (accepting for herself and Penny Gubbels);

Tamara Wheeler, Save On Foods

JC Braconnier; Michael Lavigne; Peter Lees; Gene Creelman, Interior Savings

Community Builder

Heather Schneider, Okanagan College; Marion Sallenbach.

Leader of the Year~ Marion Sallenbach ~



The

is grateful for thesupport of these sponsors

who share our sense of pridein the community we all call home.

CAPITAL newsThank Thank Thank Thank Thank Thank Thank Thank Thank Thank Thank Thank Thank Thank Thank Thank Thank Thank Thank Thank Thank Thank Thank Thank Thank Thank Thank Thank Thank Thank Thank Thank Thank Thank Thank Thank Thank Thank Thank Thank Thank Thank Thank Thank Thank Thank Thank Thank Thank Thank Thank Thank Thank Thank Thank Thank Thank You!You!You!You!You!You!You!You!You!You!You!You!You!You!You!You!You!You!You!You!You!You!You!You!You!You!You!You!You!You!You!You!You!You!You!You!You!You!You!You!You!You!You!You!You!You!You!You!

OkanaganYMCA of

Standing tall together!

Thank Thank Thank

We couldn’t have done it without you!

Thanks also to our Community Partners and Judging Panel

of the Central and South Okanagan / Similkameen

of the Central and South Okanagan / Similkameen

102 – 2055 Benvoulin Court Kelowna, BC V1W 2C7

OkanaganYMCA of

United WayCentral & SouthOkanagan SimilkameenChange starts here.


Not all products available in all provinces.

Home Auto Life Investments Group Business Farm Travel

Dennis MacLeodFinancial AdvisorSolve Insurance Services Inc120-1640 Leckie Rd | Kelowna250-861-3777 | www.cooperators.ca/Solve-Insurance

We’re committed to helping out where we can, and proud to support initiatives that make a difference in the community.

Proud to support our community.























TOP HONOUR:


Service Organization Volunteer

is simple: “I want to help people in my community.”Cox volunteers in the kitchen at the Salvation Army Centre in

Rutland, is a Telus Ambassador volunteer, and is part of a team that maintains and works in the Salvation Army’s mobile kitchen. The mobile kitchen provides food for emergency workers responding to events in the community such as forest � res and � oods.

According to her nominator, Laurel D’Andrea, Cox is a treasure to � re� ghters, police o� cers and paramedics.

The 72-year-old Cox has recorded a phenomenal 6,500 hours of volunteer time, 1,500 hours alone last year. That’s more than 28 hours per week—three-quarters of a full-time job!

Cox also volunteers her talents as a face painter to help numer-ous local fundraising endeavours, sells ra� e tickets, and pitches in whenever, and wherever, she is asked.

In D’Andrea’s words Cox is “not famous, not worldly and not in the pubic eye. She is humble, caring, loving and gives for one simple reason— because she genuinely cares.”

And what does the lady herself get out of her volunteer work?“Satisfaction that someone has a nice warm meal when they

need it,” says Cox with a smile.

Throughout his policing career, volunteer work was a con-stant. But it was when he was stationed in Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories that he really started to become aware of the problems of addiction and substance abuse, issues that often play a part in the lives of many clients who use the Gospel Mission’s services.

With the perfect background to help deal with people on the street, Scott has become a � xture as a volunteer at the Mission and is one the frontline workers dealing with clients.

“You get a really good sense of humility,” he says about the rewards of the volunteer work he does.

Starting out in guest services at the Mission, helping clients access a variety of services, Scott is what Mission o� cials call a “high-impact” volunteer, someone who can step in and lead a volunteer team and run the shelter if needed.

“He’s an amazing ambassador for the Mission,” says his nom-inator Sonya Menyes. “Leading tours, leading groups that have come to volunteer for the day, manning a table at the (annual Kelowna) volunteer fair and being an encouragement to our sta� and guests alike.”

Ask Margie Cox why she spends thousands of hours per year volun-teering to help others in the commu-nity when she could be enjoying her retirement after a long and busy ca-reer working for Telus, and her answer

Terry Scott says when he went looking for a place to volunteer his time back in 2009 after retiring to Kelonwa following a long career in the RCMP, the Gospel Mission seemed like the perfect � t.

Margie Cox Terry Scott

Shirley Schmidt is a busy lady. A decorated veteran, at 84 years of age she shows no sign of slowing down when it comes to her volunteer work with a variety of causes throughout the commmunity.

Over the last six years, she has taken on the role of caregiver for many other veterans and seniors in the community, as well as being an advocate for them when needed.

Described as an extraordinary Royal Canadian Legion volunteer, Schmidt visits, assists and supports many veterans and shut-ins, at times more than 100 individuals with physical, psychological and developmental needs. A compassionate person, she gives her time freely and willingly to help others, always with a smile on her face.

“I do it because I enjoy it,” says Schmidt, whose volunteer work is not limited to the Legion. “You really do get a lot out of it because it really does make you feel good.”

Schmidt also sings with the Good Time Entertainers, who perform at care homes and events, she is a member of the local Raging Grannies troupe, and has volunteered with the Kelowna Hostesses – for 23 years – as well as the Elizabeth Fry Society and

was a member of the Royal Purple for 11 years. Currently, she is part of the Rutland Association, a volunteer group that advises the Uptown Rutland Business Association (URBA) on community issues.

In the words of her nominator Broc Braconnier, “Shirley Schmidt dutifully demonstrates commitment and has main-tained a standard of dedication beyond the normal expectation of such a volunteer in similar circumstances.”

He described her as a person who devotes her time and energy to making a di� erence for many.“She is relentless in assisting people,” wrote Braconnier.

Shirley Schmidt


TO ALL OUR COMMUNITY LEADERS

You are contributing to our community and creating a lasting impact.

CONGRATULATIONS

UBC OKANAGAN CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF PARTNERSHIP WITH OUR COMMUNITY

INNOVATION LIBRARY PARTNERSHIP WITH OKANAGAN REGIONAL LIBRARY DISTRICT SCIENCE FAIR WITH SCHOOL DISTRICT 23 HEALTHY CITY PARTNERSHIP WITH CITY OF KELOWNA AND INTERIOR HEALTH AUTHORITY HEALTHY CITY PARTNERSHIP WITH CITY OF KELOWNA AND INTERIOR HEALTH AUTHORITY UNITED WAY UBC WORKPLACE CAMPAIGN UNITED WAY UBC WORKPLACE CAMPAIGN CULTURAL SAFETY SYMPOSIUM WITH OKANAGAN NATION ALLIANCE CULTURAL SAFETY SYMPOSIUM WITH OKANAGAN NATION ALLIANCE UBC DIGITIZATION PROJECT WITH OKANAGAN HISTORIAL SOCIETY UBC DIGITIZATION PROJECT WITH OKANAGAN HISTORIAL SOCIETY



TOP HONOUR:


Her � rst volunteer position was in the General Snackery. Volunteers are typically asked to commit to one four-hour shift a week for a minimum of six months, but Ellett started out work-ing two shifts a week.

In 2002, the hospital auxiliary created a co� ee kiosk, now called The Perking Lot, and Ellett took on the task of managing the service on a volunteer basis. She trains other volunteers, orders and picks up supplies, and is instrumental in liaising with the business manager on all aspects of the service.

With this venue alone, Ellett has given more than 7,000 hours of volunteer time, and continues to volunteer a minimum of 40 hours a week.

In her spare time, Ellett, a retired nurse and mother of two kids along with now being a grandmother, has volunteered for the heart and stroke foundation as an area donation captain and worked as a caregiver for the past eight years.

She says she does all this not because she needs to the work to occupy her time, but simply because she loves helping seniors.

become a member of the Teen Town Council and later be named Teen Town Sweeheart in 1967

• Director of Royalty Kelowna Regatta from 1969 to 1970.• Founding member of the Joe Rich Ratepayer Association, and

25-year volunteer, also part of the eff ort to create the Joe Rich volunteer � re department and their � rehall

• Board member of the Kelowna Hospital Foundation for six years• Served as the coordinator of decor and the house/stage manager

of the Kelowna Hospital Heart of Gold gala from 1999 to 2014• Volunteer stage manager and steering committee member for

the Canadian Cancer Society Daff odil Ball• Also involved in the newly created non-profi t group, the Interna-

tional Foundation for Contemplative EngagementRoss has made time for all these activities and more, while

being a wife, mother of four, and now grandmother to six, again volunteering as a supportive parent for many of the activities here children have been involved in while growing up.

Committed to helping her community, Ross loves Kelowna, her family and volunteering.

Rosslyn Ellett began volunteering for the Kelowna General Hospital Foundation 15 years ago, looking for something to � ll her time and to give back to a community she has grown to love as her home.

Barbie Ross is the defi nition of a volunteer, something that was instilled in her as teenager. Consider her resume of volunteerism: • At 16, Ross volunteered to raise mon-

ey for the March of Dimes; she would

Rosslyn Ellett Barbie Ross

When people think of volunteering, cleaning and doing laundry is not usually high on the list of preferred tasks, but not so for Maxine Harder.

Harder dubs herself as “The Laundry Queen,” coming in every week for the past two and a half years to do the laundry and clean the 94-bed emergency shelter at the Gospel Mission shelter in downtown Kelowna.

A bright, cheerful, hardworking person with an incredibly big heart to help others, that sometimes hides the reality for Harder of dealing with depression.

Her husband, an enthusiastic volunteer in his own right, suggested to Harder that giving back to the community could be one way to help combat those feelings of depression.

“The best thing you can do to help with depression is to help someone else,” Harder con� rms.

Besides volunteering at the Gospel Mission, the Harders have also formed relationships with several elderly people in the community, helping them with regular visits, home cleaning and yard work. They have also extended their generosity to the Gospel Mission sta� , bringing their boat to the annual sta� picnic, a treat enjoyed and appreciated by all..

Kelowna is blessed to have a volunteer like Harder in our midst, so grateful to give back to her community and to every-one she meets.

Maxine HarderVolunteer


Together, we are possibility.unitedwaycso.com

Proud Sponsor of the Community Leader Award for Youth

Behind every changed life is someone who made it happen.



TOP HONOUR:


from becoming one of the most important Red Cross volunteers in the entire province.

Like many of our volunteers, Pike was introduced to the Red Cross as a client in crisis, her family made suddenly homeless by an apart-ment � re in Rutland in 2013.

Several months later, she became a volunteer herself, putting her skills to work at the reception desk of the Kelowna Red Cross O� ce. It wasn’t long before Ester’s extraordinary energy and self-con� dence was noticed and she was recruited as the youngest member of the BC Community Connector Team. CCs perform a critical, front-line role for the Red Cross, raising the local pro� le of the organization and networking for new community partnerships.

Not long after becoming one of three CCs in Kelowna, Pike took on the role of Team Lead for the province-wide Volunteer Recruitment Initiative, charged with expanding the CC program through every village and town in British Columbia. In a time when a 22-year-old is barely considered an adult, a front-line external relations role is no small achievement.

Pike says her involvement in Red Cross was sparked literally by the � re in her apartment two years ago. “I knew what the Red Cross was about on an international level but I had no idea what they did to help people on a local level until they helped me,” she recalled.

At just 22 years old, it’s unlikely that Ester Pike has volunteered for as long as some of her fellow nominees.

But her youth hasn’t stopped this home-schooled, Kelowna transplant

the Junior Alpine Club. This allowed him to re� ne his ideas for the program. He and a co-teacher eventually started an outdoor educa-tion program at Rutland Middle School, and the program followed Smith when he moved over to Rutland Senior Secondary.

He says the goals of the program are many: To learn about stewardship of the environment, fuel a desire to get outside and stay � t and to teach skills that will keep students secure and safe in the outdoors.

“Much of my course revolves around practical skills and practic-ing them in real life situations,” Smith said.

“Last year I started an outdoor education club that ran after school and on some weekends. Teaching outdoor education takes up a lot of time, many evenings and weekends. (But) to me it is worth it.

“My motivation is also my passion, a love of the outdoors and to protect what we have.”

When he’s not exposing students to the great outdoors, Smith teaches P.E. and Social Studies classes at RSS, coaches youth soccer and has coached basketball, volleyball and various other sports in the past.

Recreational outdoor pursuits have been an active pursuit of Stacey Smith for the past 25 years, a lifestyle that the Rutland Senior Secondary teacher has wanted to pass on to his students.

In his � rst year of teaching, Smith was able to mentor as a leader for

Stacey SmithEster Pike

Rick Potter has volunteered with the Okanagan Boys and Girls Club Youth Restoration Justice program for nearly a decade, a re� ection of the passion and dedication he has for his work with youth.

Potter participates as both a facilitator and co-facilitator in various conferences where young people are provided the opportunity to repair the harm they have caused to the community and speci� c individuals.

Potter’s personal character traits of compassion, empathy, understanding and his ability to redirect conferences in a positive direction are all huge assets.

A pastor at Rutland United Church, Potter strives to continually go above and be-yond to give youth a chance to complete their community service work. He attends conferences in his spare evenings, which require anywhere from one to three hours to facilitate followed by a debrief session with other volunteers in the end.

He has volunteered for three such conferences this year, more than any other volunteer thus far.

Rick PotterYouth Volunteer

United WayCentral & SouthOkanagan SimilkameenChange starts here.


Kelowna 101 - 1876 Cooper Rd. (Orchard Plaza) 250-860-1444Kelowna 3175 Lakeshore Road 250-860-7787West Kelowna 1 - 2475 Dobbin Road N. 250-768-2944

Glenmore 115 - 1972 Kane Road 250-860-2946Rutland 301 - Hwy 33W 250-765-5690Win� eld 10 - 9522 Main Street 250-766-9009

Proud to Support the ENVIRONMENTAL LEADER Category.Your incredible contributions involving sustainability and the environment make our community a better place to live.

In 2014 the Overwaitea Food Group

stores in the Central Okanagan...

REDUCED – • 2,538 Cubic Yards to the landfi ll • 1,634.1 Te CO2e Carbon Dioxide Emissions

SAVED – • 2,989,634.9 kWh of energy • 16,079,405 litres of water • 1,785.6 barrels of oil (petroleum) • 10,315 mature trees

We have a history of taking the lead when it comes to sustainable stores and we’re focused on continuing to do

the right thing in every area of our business.



TOP HONOUR:Perhaps the Okanagan’s most recognized sighting on a paddle

board, Bob Purdy has a passion for the environment and lives his life by that commitment every day.

Since Jan. 1, 2011, Purdy has climbed aboard his standup paddle board—through rain, sleet and snow—as his way to advocate for changing how we live on the planet.

He began his paddle board journey in the hopes of inspir-ing change, particularly in how people view our water, to draw attention to the need for everyone to recognize the impact our material-based lifestyles have on this precious resource.

Besides being the founder of World Paddle for the Planet Day, Purdy gained widespread recognition when he paddled the 80-mile length of Okanagan Lake in one day, a feat that drew inter-national attention for his World Paddle day.

“My impetus for the event: Pick a change, paddle for that change, and commit to it until it becomes a reality,” Purdy said. He also become the focus of a documentary by � lmmaker Carey Missler called The Paddler, which helped bring his

viewpoints and beliefs about preserving our environment to the public forefront. The � lm has won two awards. Purdy is a man who not only inspires, but authentically lives the change he hopes to see for the planet.

Bob PurdyEnvironm

ental Leader


The Friends of the South Slope Society is dedicated to preserving the environmental integrity of what is referred to as the south slopes of Kelowna. The society’s goals are to build and maintain public facilities across the area, along with trails and signs in Myra-Bellevue Provincial Park. The area is bordered by Okanagan Mountain Park on the west, to the McCulloch Lake chain on the east, south to Little White Mountain and north to Mission and KLO creeks.

Two of the driving forces behind the creation and evolution of the South Slopes Society are Penny Gubbels and Isabel Pritchard. The two were among the early founding members of FOSS dating back to April 1988, and both have held various board positions and responsibilities with the society since.

Of late, Sanford has taken on the task of reporting and recording on the progress of Katim, the successful bidder of an NTC grant of $21,000, which was matched by the society’s own fundraising. This role has taken her deep into the wilderness, to ensure the contractor was making progress on time and on budget.

Gubbels is the longtime secretary for FOSS. At every meeting she comes armed with books and folders on information that society board members can refer to, such as activating old trails or discussing land use agreements.

It is through the dedication of Gubbels and Pritchard that the recre-ational use potential of Myra-Bellevue and Okanagan Mountain parks for our community to enjoy.

Don Elzer has a passion for our natural environment, and that passion serves as his fuel to inspire the changes he wishes to see and encourage others to do the same.

Elzer has participated in and led many community environ-mental projects, his current focus being to protect a conserva-tion area of rare micro-rain forest climate near Lumby.

On this property, Elzer has operated a cafe and wildcrafting forest school, using his teachings to share his wisdom about the forest he wants to save in its natural state and the personal connection we all have to that goal.

Intriguing and engaging as a teacher and mentor, Elzer seeks to use his in� uence of knowledge to � nd collaboration with others for an environmental cause.

His motives stand from a place of pure passion and determi-nation for what he knows is majorly important for our quality of life, a mission to kindly merge with nature in a more positive way.

Don ElzerPenny Gubbels

and Isabel Pritchard


We have lots of branches.

But we also have lots of roots.

Congratulations to all the honorees

and their outstanding local contributions.

We are proud to play an active role in helping to grow

and positively impact each and every community we serve.

CommunityLeaderAward2014_Ad_9.25x11.indd 1 11Sep2014 2:11:38 PM



TOP HONOUR:


The mission of Open for Change is to create a united com-munity for sustainable change. In addition to developing a new online social network, Lavigne built a community of people committed to supporting social causes and has attracted a large group of volunteers and team members.

“I believe that small actions have a big impact,” Lavigne said. “Our goal at Open for Change is to create a united community that collaborates for positive change.”

Lavigne and his team have worked with and supported many di� erent community organizations, such as Inn from the Cold, BCSPCA, Metro Community, Boys and Girls Club Emergency Youth Shelter, and Bottles for Change. Lavigne spends much of his personal time volunteering with organizations as he is a member of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce, Kelowna Junior Chamber International and the Kelowna Club. He also makes presentations as a speaker for Rotary clubs, Toastmasters and local businesses.

Lavigne has been described as a ‘serial volunteer,’ and can often be found supporting the Metro Community Soup Kitchen, BCSPCA, Kelowna Gospel Mission and many other charities.

As the CEO and Co-Founder of Open for Change, Michael Lavigne is passionate and dedicated to making a profound di� erence in his community.

been a resident of West Kelowna for the past 14 years.He is an active member of a number of boards and organi-

zations, frequently engaging groups to partner with commu-nity ventures as collaborative sponsors or � nancial supporters in the implementation of new programs. Last year, Braconnier liaised with Revenue Canada, seeking tax preparer volunteers and salvaging the WHNS free Community Volunteer Income Tax Program, assisting 438 local seniors in � ling their tax forms.

Recently, Braconnier was selected as one of the alternate council members for the Senior Advocate Council of Senior Citizen’s Organization of B.C. His potential membership in that advocacy role and his representation and networking rela-tionship with other service administrations helped enhance a wide range of prospective possibilities in engaging others in community projects.

Another example of Braconnier’s leadership in action was his initiation of a steering committee consisting of local com-munity organizations, encouraging them to work together on mutual submissions to help in the co-ordination of individual grants o� ered through the Canada 150 Fund.

A retired Canadian Naval O� cer, Professional Engineer and former CEO of a BC post-secondary trades training institute, Braconnier has

JCBraconnier

MichaelLavigne

Peter Lees is the Operational Manager for Karis Support Society, an organization that works with women recovering from addiction.

In the past eight years, approximately 250 women have come through Karis’ doors, and Lees has had a tremendous capacity to connect with those fragile women. Lees is both a coach and an encourager for the women as they pursue their recoveries, and is a person of courage as he routinely has to deal with hospitals, police, and in some unfortunate cases the funerals of clients.

“I’ve always been taught to help my fellow man,” Lees described. “Basically help them up the ladder, and that’s why I do this work. That’s it. Since I moved to Canada this is the work I’ve been doing, and in the UK as well, which is where I came from.”

Every year, Karis Support Society holds and event called ‘Celebration,’ where all of their community partners are invited to join them in acknowledging the life changes in their clients. At their last event, 45 di� erent organizations they work with were acknowledged - a network of community that directly re� ects Lees’ passion to work as a team to restore lives in Kelowna.

In addition to his work with Karis, Lees is also the community collaborator for homeless-ness in the city, which means he regularly connects with the RCMP and the regional district about issues in Kelowna.

Peter LeesCom

munity Builder


Leadershipis (L)earned

Inspired by the desire to help, fueled by the will to improve, and driven by skills that draw others along on the trek, good leaders are those who learn as they lead. Great leaders are those who pass the lessons along.

Okanagan College’s mission is to transform lives and communities. The Okanagan College Foundation focuses on powering the promise of our students. We are proud to support and be a source of leaders and learning.

is is ((LL))earnedearned

Inspired by the desire to help, fueled by the will to improve, and driven by by the will to improve, and driven by

Okanagan College’s mission is to transform lives and communities.transform lives and communities.

Congratulations to all those nominated and recognized as leaders in our community.

2895

4



Marion Sallenbach is a truly outstanding community volunteer

who has made a tremendous impact on countless families in the Okanagan.

At 93 years of age, Sallenbach has been an active volun-teer in the Okanagan for more than 50 years, and her e� orts have helped to raise thousands of dollars for the Kelowna General Hospital. She began volunteering with the Hospital Auxiliary in Win� eld in the late1960s. Since then, she has been an instrumental leader in dozens of volunteer clinics and successful fundraising initiatives.

She was and continues to be involved in running baby clinics, working alongside nurses to prepare newborns for their immunizations. In her role as the Win� eld Auxiliary president in the 70s, and her decades-long stint as the trea-surer, she helped to create a now-renowned catering service for special events like weddings, memorials, and anniver-saries, donating all the proceeds to the Kelowna General Hospital Foundation.

One of her most successful volunteer initiatives was the Lake Country Calendar, which Marion ran out of her base-ment in the 1970s before selling it to the McCarthy family in 1979. Sallenbach began the newspaper as a community newsletter, and solicited advertisements from local busi-nesses as a way of raising funds. She and her fellow volun-

teers put in many hours of labour to print the pages, collate, and assemble them before distributing them across the whole community.

In addition to her work for the hospital, Sallenbach has volunteered with the Win� eld Community Church, the Red Cross, and the Independent Order of Foresters, through which she has donated her time and expertise in myriad ways, including to help prepare “Wheals to Meals” for seniors in need, bookkeeping, and helping with “Adopt-a-Road” initiatives.

Today, Marion continues to contribute to the hospital and her community any way she can, even spending her spare time knitting hats for premature babies. Marion’s whole-hearted commitment to making the world a better place, not only for us but also for the generations to follow, makes her an exemplary community leader.

“I like to help other people,” is how Sallenbach describes her personal initiative to volunteer in her community. “I en-joy meeting people…I really enjoyed helping out with the baby clinics because I got to see all the new babies.”

For Sallenbach, who moved to Lake Country from Salmon Arm in 1944 and today lives on a rural property with both her children and their families as her neighbours, she says volunteering is for her “just a way to help out.”

LEADER OF

THE YEAR:

Marion Sallenbach

Leader of the Year


KELOWNA TOYOTA1200 LEATHEAD RD, KELOWNA, B.C. | 250-491-2475 | WWW.KELOWNATOYOTA.COM | MON-FRI 8:30-7 | SAT 9-5

KELOWNA TOYOTACOMMUNITY DRIVEN

Trustedsince1970

Being Community Driven means that we invest in and celebrate those individuals

that make a difference in our community.

We proudly support these local organizations:

• Okanagan College Trades Training Complex Project• UBCO Nursing Bursary • UBCO Business Management Bursary

• Kelowna YMCA/YWCA • Kelowna Professional Fire Fighters Charitable Society• Kelowna General Hospital

Celebrating 45 Years

✔ QUALITY ✔ DURABILITY ✔ RELIABILITY

special features - community leader awards 2015

Documents