In Focus | Rebecca Aitken

Meet Rebecca! Rebecca is originally from Manitoba, she has called Kelowna home for 31 years.


Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
Manitoba but I have lived in Kelowna for the past 31 years.

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My hubby, Cory. 26 years of marriage he is my best friend and partner in crime!

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
My favourite local store is Country Cottage Gifts. There is always a unique treasure to find and I love supporting the local little guys! They need us desperately.

Describe yourself in one word.
Mischievous.

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Ireland. It's my heritage and I feel it calling to me.

What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
How do you pick one? Kelowna is a four season playground with multiple activities year round... I love being outside, so I will go with backroads campfire Weiner roast with friends.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I have a brain injury following a car accident. I often mix up words and I don't realize it. I was telling a story about a scary movie that had a giant monster with huge tentacles except I wasn't saying tentacles...

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Becoming a mother... HANDS DOWN!

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
When I was about eight, I was starting to have doubts about Santa. That Christmas morning I awoke to find reindeer hoof prints and sleigh runner marks in the snow. My mom had gone out and made them. She had me for a good two more years! It was magical!

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I have volunteered in many capacities over the years from school PAC's to Kelowna Minor Hockey and Rutland Youth Soccer. These days I am involved with the Kelowna Gospel Mission, Salvation Army, my local church and am a team sponsor of the Kelowna Chiefs Junior Hockey Club.

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Homelessness.

Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Somewhere in nature and usually in the hills.

Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
It is pretty simple but just be kind to one another. Kindness changes everything.

What do you think makes Kelowna great?
Our people and our resources.

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
To go to Ireland.
To be a motivational speaker.
To write a book.

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I love to perform in musical theatre.

How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
I'm on all of them... Google me!

What is the name of your business/organization?
The Aitken Group

Why did you get into/start this business?
This is a family business. I am following in the footsteps of my father-in-law, Bruce Aitken, who served the Okanagan community for years before he retired. He still is a member of The Aitken Group as an unlicensed consultant.

What is the goal of your business?
The Aitken Group's number one goal is to help people buy and sell real estate throughout the Okanagan Valley.

What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
My biggest struggle personally has been recovering from a significant car accident. In my work life it has been the external factors affecting the market such as the speculation tax and the stress test.

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I'm not one for looking back... I've learned from every experience and they have all shaped me and brought me to where I am now. No regrets just keep moving forward to the next adventure.

What do you always find yourself saying?
Choose happiness.

Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Will it matter in 5 minutes? 5 days? 5 months? 5 years? If no, let it go!

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

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
When we shop locally it boosts the local economy which directly impacts all of Kelowna's citizens in a positive way. It just makes cents! (spelling error intended!)

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Being a mother to my two amazing children! Nothing will ever come close to this!

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Dr. Scott Martyna He volunteers in our communities and is an outstanding person and surgeon.

My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Cory at Black Mountain Aerial

Some general comments I would like to share are:
Thank you for doing a feature like this for local folks! So appreciated!
Rebecca

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!