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In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition for the people, businesses and organizations that help make our city great. The team at KamloopsBCNow.com is passionate about this community and the people that make it amazing. We want to show our friends, neighbours, family and colleagues that we notice them and the fabulous things that they do.
What is your name?
Danica Wilkinson
What do you always find yourself saying?
No worries. I always say this to family and friends when something happens, things go astray or problems arise.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select and why?
Clara Hughes. She is an amazing athlete and ambassador for Canada. I would love to know what makes her push herself so hard and how she has overcome all the obstacles, like depression, in her life.
If you were to receive any existing public award, what award would you like to win?
I unexpectedly won the 4 Way Test Rotary Award a few years back, and that was a big enough award for me. I don’t like getting recognition when I know that I alone cannot do any project without the committees I’m supported by.
If you could spend a day with any historical figure, who would you choose and why?
Terry Fox. When I was biking across Canada, as we got to the east coast we learned more about him and the struggles he went through. Doing a big trip like that really puts in perspective of how hard he pushed himself, never mind how well he got a country to follow his dreams.
Who inspires you?
My dad, Darren Wilkinson. He is my idol in so many ways, but especially in the way he works so hard every day and never overreacts to anything thrown at him.
What are three things on your bucket list?
Do a major kayaking trip (maybe from Vancouver to Alaska!)
Owning a small business
Making a difference in my community
If you had an enormous yacht, what would you name it?
Royal Mama. Our family owns a lake-size boat called Royal Baby and a tiny boat called Royal Sprout, so it would have to be the Royal Parent of the lot!
If you could foresee a single day of your future in its entirety, what date would you select?
July 1st. It is always a great casual family day at the lake celebrating and relaxing together. Don’t need more than that in life!
What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about being the best I can be. I think this really says how I am about helping out others, working hard and staying healthy.
What has been your favourite day of your life, up to this point?
Coming home from my bike trip across Canada, seeing my family and how proud they were of me to accomplish something off my bucket list.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Biking across Canada.
Where is your favourite place to dine in Kamloops? What do you like about it?
I love going for lunch at this little sushi place called Corner Stone. The main reason I love it so much is that it is a tradition of a friend and mine to go to for lunch and discuss life goals and happenings.
What is your favourite activity or event in Kamloops? Why?
Ribfest is my favorite event due to the momentum it creates in the community by pulling everyone to work together to put a fantastic event on.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Kamloops Daybreak Rotary Ribfest
What does your business/organization do?
The Kamloops Daybreak Rotary club organizes the Ribfest event every year for two main reasons: to put on a main FREE family fun event for Kamloops citizens and to raise money for youth in our community through different programs we support.
Where can people find you or your business online?
www.kamloopsribfest.com
How do people connect with you on LinkedIn?
I’m a Facebooker, but feel free to send me a message anytime!
Where can people find your business on Facebook?
Kamloops Ribfest
What is your Twitter account?
@KRibfest
What is your mission?
The goal of Ribfest is to create a free signature family fun event for Kamloops citizens. Any money raised from this event goes back into local charities, focusing on youth groups.
If you could achieve one thing within your field, what would it be?
Ribfest is a hugely successful event in Kamloops, and if I could achieve one thing, it would be making this event easier to put on year after year.
Where do you want your business/organization to be in five years?
In five years I hope Ribfest is a major Kamloops event recognized throughout the province. I hope it is easy to run and rewarding for everyone involved.
Who do you consider to be a forerunner within your field?
Everyone would be welcome to Co-Chair Ribfest; all they need is a positive attitude, organization and a good work habit!
What three qualities do you feel that your business/organization exemplifies?
Service above self.
Leadership.
Ethical Environment (4 Way Test).
What would you like to say to your employees/volunteers?
Thank you for believing in this project and loving it as much as I do!
How does your business/organization impact the community?
Since 2012, Ribfest has become a signature family event in Kamloops and has raised over $180,000 in its first three years. One hundred per cent of this money has been put back into our community, with no administration fees, supporting primarily youth programs.
If you were trapped in an elevator with several wealthy investors from any field, which field would you want them to be experts in? What would say to them/talk about?
I think it would be pretty interesting to be stuck in an elevator with investors from a property investment background as well as a stock investment background because they would really help shed light on which may be a better in the long run. Add in a retirement Investor and I would be set!
If I could change one thing about Kamloops, it would be:
The river! Kelowna has a great beach and waterfront where boats can access way easier. I wish Kamloops did a better job of waterfront promotion for boaters with infrastructure and attractions.
What do you think makes Kamloops great?
Kamloops is an amazing town where you can walk down the street knowing familiar faces and receiving beautiful smiles. I always feel at home here.
My choice for the Kamloops In Focus spotlight is:
Deanna Bowerman
Some general comments I would like to share are:
Biking across Canada is one of the ways I’ve shown others my drive, work ethic, and personality. I love Ribfest and the weekend of excitement it creates. It is an amazing event to be a part of and I hope everyone comes down to support us this summer!
We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below, and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE. Thank you, Kamloops!