In Focus | Ellen Walker-Matthews

Meet Ellen! She is a proud supporter of shopping local, and would love to meet Michelle Obama!



Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
Work in Kelowna; live in Summerland 28 yrs

Who is your favourite person to spend time with?
Any member of my family; I have a wonderful and supportive group of immediate and extended family and I would choose to spend time with anyone of them alone or as a group. They are my heartbeat.

Describe yourself in one word.
Passionate.

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Netherlands - to see family and friends who I have not had the opportunity to visit for years

What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Spending time on the lake and/or dining at any of the many incredible patios around the city

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I accidentally drank the water from my table centerpiece believing it had been left by the waiter as my glass of water; pretty sure the entire staff of that restaurant (In Russia) were laughing in the back and commenting on the crazy Canadian

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
In 2013 I had the opportunity to walk the El Camino de Santigo in Spain with my good friend. It was an 854 km life changing experience that has brought me closer to myself and my friends and family, it caused me to listen closer to what the universe is saying and to trust my instinct.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
I grew up in Calgary and our family would do what so many do to this day, pack up the car each summer and drive to the Okanagan. Collectively those summers are by far my favorite childhood memories. I would close my eyes laying on the beach and capture all of the sounds in my mind to remember on those future cold winter days



Where do you volunteer or give back in the community?
Together with my husband we founded and Chair the Giants Head Grind - Christopher Walker Memorial Race in Summerland - a memorial race for our son who died at 29 of Colorectal Cancer. The race is now in its 7th year raises funds for colon cancer awareness in young persons and provides funding for Giants Head Mountain improvements.

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Personally - I would bring my son back to life; For the world; more compassion

Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
At the Lake...

Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
Kelowna has a tremendous organization called the Okanagan Sustainability Leadership Council who are looking at the future of the city and how to ensure that it develops in a positive and thoughtful way. They are looking at many aspects of change for the future and one area that I know will be on their agenda is accessibility. Becoming known as a welcoming, inclusive and a city that is accessible for all is a goal we should be striving for.

What do you think makes Kelowna great?
One of the things that makes Kelowna very special is the character of its residence. We have a strong combination of individuals that were born and raised here, those that have left and come back and others that are transplanted from all over Canada and other parts of the world. This diversity enables us to have ever broadening perspectives, an appreciation for all that we want to protect in concert with an eye to responsible and sustainable growth.

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Travelling to just about anywhere in the world but definitely back to Holland.
2. Writing a book.
3. Owning a flower shop.

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I would like to own and operate a flower shop and do all the deliveries...for both the happy and sad occasions. I would surprise people with unexpected bouquets and always add extra flowers into the orders and grad flowers would be free. This would truly be a labor of love and something I have dreamed of doing my entire life.

How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Facebook: Ellen Walker-Matthews
LinkedIn: Ellen Walker-Matthews
Twitter: @ewok58
Instagram: @ewok58

What is the name of your business/organization?
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association.

Why did you get into/start this business?
I had spent most of my career in the hotel business in various capacities including General Manager and VP of Sales and Marketing for large and small hotels and hotels chains. Moving into the tourism development side with TOTA was a natural cross over of my skill set. I felt that there was value that I could provide having been on the other side of the business for so many years.

What is the goal of your business?
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association is committed to creating a strong and healthy tourism economy whilst minimizing the impact on our natural and cultural resources by promoting sustainable business practices and responsible travel.

What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Without question, losing my son to colon cancer has been the single most difficult thing that I have had to live through and something that I will continue to have to fight through for the rest of my life. It has also made me more grateful,

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
For the most part, I would have done things the same. Worried less ...for sure



What do you always find yourself saying?
"Don't get me started."

Tell us your best piece of life advice.
If anything matters then everything matters.

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Michelle Obama.

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Shopping local makes a significant difference. Supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs strengthens communities, has a lower carbon footprint and drives local economies. Whether home or travelling the best gems, the most remarkable experiences and the most satisfying are found in owner-operated stores, restaurants, gift shops, bed and breakfast, and the list goes on.

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
The Giants Head Grind - Christopher Walker Memorial Event

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Sandy McAfee - local musician, mother, grandmother and all-around interesting and unique woman.

My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Angela Nagy.

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.

In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition of the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great. Thank you, Kelowna!