Meet Cindy, she has called Kelowna home for more than 30 years. Cindy retired from her position at SD23 as a school counsellor. Now, she spends her spare time enjoying the Okanagan lifestyle with her family.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I was born in Calgary, but I have lived in Cranbrook B.C., Bearspaw Alta., North Delta B.C. and Kelowna. Kelowna has been my home since 1981.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
I love spending time with my family. I am fortunate to have my kids and grandchildren living in Kelowna which allows me to connect with them weekly. I have four grandchildren who always brighten up my day.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Diamond H Tack. The staff are super friendly and knowledgeable. Pleasure trail riding is one of my passions and Diamond H Tack has everything I need for my horse J.J. and myself.
Describe yourself in one word.
Resilient
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Hmmm, that's a tough one as I feel that I already have a plan in place. In February of next year, my family (children and grandchildren included) are going to Kona, Hawaii. We have rented a huge house, really a mansion with three separate living quarters!
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
I have two; running and horseback riding.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
You mean this year? I usually have a couple per year, however, the SunRun wins. I ran with the elite women and basically ran the whole race by myself as I was so far behind. Yes, there are 40,000 runners, however, the elite women start 10 min earlier.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I have met some pretty amazing people during my running adventures and what impresses me the most is their ability to have a balance between competitiveness, family and work.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
My family had a 2 acre recreational home at Wasa Lake. We would ride our horses from Cranbrook to Wasa and spend the summer water skiing and horseback riding. Super memories!
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I am passionate about Mental Wellness! I was on the CYMHSU (Child and Youth Mental Health Substance Use) collaborative team which was involved in getting the Foundry in Kelowna. I am also very involved in the Kelowna Running Club as I organize the Larry Nicholas Cross Country race and until this year was the organizer of the Strong Kids races.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Mental Health. I would like to see a better practice in improving Mental Wellness.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
I would go for a horseback ride in the canyon, which is in our back yard. :)
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
If I had been asked this question a couple years ago, I would have said mental health awareness. Today I feel that we are talking about it and trying to address the need, however, I still feel that there needs to be more education on the topic because more education will lead to less judgement of those in need of mental health support.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The year round activities that it offers.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I am the only one to have won the Victoria Marathon 6 times.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Facebook
What is the name of your business/organization?
I am a retired SD 23 counsellor.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
The biggest struggle in work was addressing the mental health needs of our youth.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
Nothing, I love the way things turned out.
What do you always find yourself saying?
"In the big picture, is it life threatening?" credit goes to Roger Kirk. :)
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Don't be judgemental, everyone has a story.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Katherine Switzer. She is the first woman to run the Boston Marathon. I actually know her casually as my husband knows her husband Roger, however, I would love to spend a day with her. She is an inspiration to all runners!
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
The obvious, to support each other.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
My children! They have married amazing people, they are super parents and needless to say they have the cutest kids. I am a proud mom!
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