A few years ago, #lovelocal alum Kristin Postill and her childhood friend Brittney Page decided to pay it forward to their community by paddling for charities of their choice. To date, their paddles have raised over $67,000 for the local community.

On Saturday, August 14th, they will be paddling the length of Kal Lake (16km) in support of Archway Society. Since the pandemic began Archway Society has seen a 48% increase in women, children and youth accessing their programs - they have therefore set a goal of raising $30,000 for Archway to help support the increase in demand of their invaluable programs. You can support them on - bit.ly/supforarchway 

Artist AJ Jaeger talks about the Splash of Red charity auction - how it came about, and why it is so critical to the Caetani Centre's plans to provide more people access to the arts and the history of Vernon.

First things first, this one's close to my heart - literally. AJ has made my life better now for 8 years, whether getting rid of my chipping yips, or showing up to support Special Olympics - Kindale. But it was a great opportunity to get to know the person behind the force of nature that she is, and to explore her past as a prodigy / golf star, as well as her future as a mother and realtor.

Suffice to say that if you listen to this episode, you will come away with a better understanding of the challenges AJ has had to face through her career(s) and life, and how she's in a happy place now - and determined to take life's new challenges head on.

A very happy birthday from Love Local to AJ!

One of my cherished ideals is that right balance of heart and head when it comes to not-for-profit organizations.  Whilst the right intentions are critical, I often see missed opportunities when it is not accompanied by the right skills and expertise. In that regard, Leanne Hammond who heads up the Community Foundation North Okanagan is a real treasure - a leader in whom both traits come together really well.

And the same can be said for the CFNO - when I first learned about its work a couple of years ago, it spoke to me as a financial planner as well as a supporter. As Leanne explains in the podcast, it appeals because it is a sustainable and structured form of giving, which can supplement the fund-raising efforts of individual community organisations.

Leanne & CFNO truly embody the spirit of #lovelocal - bravo!

In this episode, we feature Allisha - founder and visionary behind Kelowna’s newest zero waste refillery Chickpeace. She had some BIG dreams... and being the boss babe she is, she made it happen.

Not only is the refillery supporting the zero waste and sustainability movement but it has been thoughtfully and intentionally curated. Allisha is no stranger in working towards creating a better planet. She completed her post graduate studies in sustainability planning specifically on finding ways to create resilient communities. And now she is doing just that.

Give up some #lovelocal for Allisha & Chickpeace!

As the Executive Director of the VPAG, Dauna Kennedy is a passionate advocate, and indeed the face of art and culture in our community. VPAG or The Vernon Public Art Gallery Society is committed to fostering the appreciation of the visual arts for all members of the community.

In this episode, Dauna talks about the challenges and opportunities she sees for VPAG and the upcoming Greater Vernon Cultural Center, and how the organisation has grown its different programs ambitiously but organically through the years. The past year in particular has been a challenge that has brought the best out in VPAG and its leader. And more than ever, it needs our local love.

Not all people in business arrive there via a straight line - life's twists and turns have to be navigated first. Such is definitely the case with Cory Derpak of DIG Earthworks. From being a professional athlete to getting hurt at a young age, to losing his way and then finding redemption in work - his story is as compelling as the man himself.

I loved listening to him talk with great passion about how work represents an extension of competition for him, albeit with greater discipline & confidence, and less volatility & ego. Part of the joy of doing this series is that I always present a story that is still unfolding. I know that is definitely the case with Cory and DIG.

With apologies to listeners for the gap, I'm very proud to introduce this episode featuring  my friend Russell Haubrich (aka Russty Whistle, which most skiers would recognise as a run).  Russ was the owner of the Putnam Station Inn when SilverStar Mountain was being established (now the Bulldog) and is currently the General Manager of the Vance Creek Hotel and Convention Centre. 

Every place is built on the backs of the pioneers who take a chance on putting their life's work into it, and it is fair to say that SilverStar would not be the same without characters like Russ. From teaching to owning a railway themed lodge, to now managing the lovely Vance Creek Hotel, Russ has seen the mountain go from strength to strength. I hope you enjoy his stories of the mountain's history as much as I did - with the bonus of not having to put up with the train whistle prank! Listen on...

Heath Fletcher is a refreshing rarity in business - a person who believes in partnership and collaboration, and puts that into practice in his own business. He went from photographer to marketing guru and partner (a title that is again reflective of his approach to business) at Sproing Creative, by building a collective around him that allowed him to focus on what he does best whilst letting people do what they love to do. 

I know that one of his proudest achievements is winning Employer of the Year for Sproing Creative, which tells you everything you need to know about the man. But he is also instrumental in the success of many local businesses as their marketing and business partner, as well as being hugely supportive of the community and #LoveLocal.

One of my favourite episodes to record since this is the story of two people who just get out and do the right thing. Between Tanya's background and experience in social welfare, and Myrika's ability to get things done (always at a million miles per hour!), giveLUCK was always going to make a difference in our community.

Listening to the two of them interact on the show, and bring their completely different strengths and characters to the table, you know this is a team that will succeed. The more interesting part was understanding where giveLUCK goes from here - as ever, the two founders have a clear vision that involves more of the business and general community, as well as reaching more causes. giveLUCK defines why we #lovelocal, we wish them some LUCK too!