Community Spotlight

On the latest episode of ATB Wealth's Community Spotlight, host Rob Cupello sat down with Ginny Becker, Executive Director of the Child and Youth Advocacy Centre (CYAC), to discuss the centre's critical role in supporting children and families navigating the impact of abuse.

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https://www.kelownanow.com/watercooler/news/news/Community_Spotlight/Supporting_Vulnerable_Children_and_Families_How_Community_Advocacy_Makes_a_Difference/

The ATB Wealth Community Spotlight brought holiday joy as Alexa Anderson of KelownaNow and Indy Brar from Kelowna Toyota detailed the Kelowna Santas initiative. Now in its 12th year, Kelowna Santas helps families facing tough financial decisions during the holidays.

"Kelowna Santas began when Nikki and Jim Csek saw families forced to choose between necessities and holiday gifts," Alexa explained. "We aim to put at least one gift under the tree for children aged 0 to 17."

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https://www.kelownanow.com/watercooler/news/news/Community_Spotlight/Kelowna_Santas_Making_the_Holidays_Brighter_for_Hundreds_of_Families/

The latest episode of Community Spotlight, presented by ATB Wealth, features Trina Speiser, Director of Development at the Central Okanagan Food Bank.

Host Rob Cupello delves into the vital role the food bank plays in supporting individuals and families across Kelowna and West Kelowna.

From addressing immediate hunger needs to tackling long-term challenges, the food bank’s efforts extend far beyond distributing food.

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https://www.kelownanow.com/watercooler/news/news/Community_Spotlight/Building_Hope_Central_Okanagan_Food_Bank_s_Impact_on_the_Community/

In this episode of ATB Community Spotlight, Michelle Dickie, Executive Director of the Kelowna Women’s Shelter, shared the impactful work her team does, their evolving programs, and the pressing need for community conversations about domestic abuse.

The Kelowna Women’s Shelter provides a broad range of services tailored to meet the unique needs of individuals and families.

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https://www.kelownanow.com/watercooler/news/news/Community_Spotlight/Kelowna_Women_s_Shelter_A_Lifeline_of_Hope_and_Support%C2%A0/

In today’s Community Spotlight, we shine a light on an impactful local business and one of its dynamic co-owners.

In partnership with ATB Wealth, host Rob Cupello sat down with Gabi Goossen, co-owner of Fill Kelowna, a sustainable retail store that encourages customers to cut down on plastic waste.

Read more https://www.kelownanow.com/watercooler/news/news/Community_Spotlight/Fill_Kelowna_offers_easy_affordable_ways_to_be_a_more_sustainable_shopper_this_Christmas/

In the second episode of Community Spotlight, hosted by Rob Cupello, the focus was on Mamas for Mamas, an incredible charity making a significant impact in the Okanagan community.

With the support of ATB Wealth, the episode explored the organization’s mission and its upcoming Suits and Boots Gala, a highly anticipated event set to take place on November 9th at the Delta Grand.

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https://www.kelownanow.com/watercoole...

In the latest episode of Community Spotlight, brought to you by ATB Wealth, Alexa sat down with Danica Dutt, president of Kelowna Women in Business (KWIB), to talk about connection, community, and the organization’s big impact across the city.

In a recent conversation on ATB Wealth Community Spotlight, Rob sat down with Nathan Flavel, founder of Kelowna Actors Studio, to discuss the studio's incredible 23-year journey, its impact on the local arts scene, and what lies ahead.

From Accidental Beginnings to Community Cornerstone

"Real estate was always sort of my passion," Nathan admits, reflecting on his early career. But after meeting co-founder Randy Leslie, who had moved from Toronto to become the first executive director of the Rotary Centre for the Arts, things quickly changed. "We produced a show, and it made money, and people were like, 'How did you do theater without needing funding?'"

What started as a few classes in an old dance studio snowballed into a full-fledged theater company. "I remember calling my mom and saying, 'I'm going to quit my job and start a theater company,'" Nathan recalls. "She was like, 'What?' But it just took off gangbusters."

Building a Legacy

Today, Kelowna Actors Studio is known for its high-caliber productions and vibrant educational programs. "We’ve grown so much," Nathan says. "Our original students from 23 years ago are now performing in main stage shows. It’s a tearjerker for us."

When the pandemic hit, the studio leaned back into education. They created the Academy Foundation, a nonprofit offering scholarships and arts programs, run independently of Nathan and Randy. "It’s super awesome, actually," Nathan laughs. "I don’t want that headache."

Broadway Dreams in Kelowna

The studio's reputation has earned them the chance to debut major productions in Canada. "We did Waitress — the first presentation in Western Canada — and Tootsie, the first in all of Canada for a regional group," Nathan shares proudly. This year’s lineup includes Singing in the Rain (complete with on-stage rain bar), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Sweeney Todd, and the new Broadway adaptation of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

"We work hard in our little space," Nathan says. "Our team is so passionate — sometimes to a fault — but we all just want to make the experience amazing."

The Power of Live Theater

In an age of AI and digital entertainment, Nathan believes theater's magic lies in its authenticity. "Theater is real. It’s right in front of you," he says. "My favorite thing is when people mess up on stage. It reminds you they’re human. I love seeing mistakes — just not in my theater!"

He hopes Kelowna continues to embrace the arts. "The community support blows my mind every year," he says. "I’d love to see a point where people just decide to 'go to the cultural district' without needing to know exactly what show is playing — like how you decide to see a movie."

Balancing Passion and Life

Despite juggling his theater role with a managing broker position at Sotheby’s, Nathan wouldn’t have it any other way. "Real estate is my job, but the theater is my golf," he laughs. "I don’t ski or golf anymore — the theater is the rest of my life."

He even steps on stage himself, recently playing Pharaoh in Joseph and gearing up to play Willy Wonka this Christmas. "They’re long days," he admits. "But it fills the well. It doesn’t feel like work."

What’s Next?

As Kelowna Actors Studio gears up for its 24th season announcement, Nathan and Randy are tight-lipped. "We plan a year and a half in advance, and we keep it super quiet," Nathan teases. "Even the staff don’t know until the day of the announcement. It’s just fun."

For those who haven’t experienced a show yet, Nathan offers a simple pitch: "It’s not like the movies. You feel like you’re somewhere else. The magic of theater is that it gets under your skin and pokes at something you didn’t even know was lingering there."

With their unwavering passion, commitment to quality, and love for their community, Kelowna Actors Studio is sure to keep creating that magic for years to come.

For show schedules and ticket information, visit kelownaactorsstudio.com. And to hear the full conversation and all the behind-the-scenes stories, be sure to watch the complete interview above!

KelownaNow welcomes a new series as Community Spotlight debuts its first episode, set to air every Thursday at 11 a.m. Hosted by Alexa Anderson and joined by Amy Cohen of Chic Experience, the series aims to shine a light on the incredible events, partnerships, and inspiring individuals that make the Okanagan such a vibrant place to live. A special thanks goes out to ATB Wealth, whose sponsorship makes this series possible.

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https://www.kelownanow.com/watercooler/news/news/Community_Spotlight/Community_Spotlight_Debuts_Highlighting_Connections_and_Collaborations/