In Focus | Tyson Schutte

Meet Tyson Schutte. He is born and raised right here in Kelowna!

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
Oh, this is a tough one. I don't think I get to decide between my wife, dad and grandpa. All of them have supported me through tough times and have always been there to talk or lend a hand.

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Wyatt Auto Parts. I'm always there and enjoy talking with the parts guys.

Describe yourself in one word.
Jokester.

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Australia, lots of cool outback to explore and I have always wanted to see a koala bear!

What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Off-roading in the surrounding forests.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I honestly can't think of anything so embarrassing it was etched into my memory.

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Every year the morning of the Toy Run I get that extra push to remember why I put so much time and effort into this event. Looking at the massive pile of toys that have been donated all going to family's in need sure inspires me to continue putting on this event for years to come. So I guess the most inspiring thing that ever happens to me, happens, again and again, every year.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
I have so many memories camping in Salmon Arm with family friends. We did two trips there a summer for my whole childhood and it was always a great time. Boating out on the lake, sitting around the fire on the beach, crushing pennies on the train track, and biking to the store for candy and ice cream. Nothing better than the simpler time of being a kid!

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I plan and put on the Kelowna 4x4 Toy Run event every year. I arrange for the Salvation Army to set up a site to collect toys, cash and starting in 2018. and I also have been working to make this event bigger and better every year and its been paying off. Every year we get more and more participants making this event bigger and better every year.

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

Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Head up to Postill Lake. Nothing better than some fresh air, fun trails and a quiet forest.

Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
Bring back more events that used to make Kelowna great. I remember going to the hydroplane races as a kid and having an awesome day watching the boats rip around the lake. Wakefest was also a great time and was more about the sports and activities then the concerts and music that seems to take over all the events that happen downtown now.

What do you think makes Kelowna great?
Warm summers and nice lakes to enjoy so close to town. You can drive up to the mountains and enjoy the views and wilderness just on the outskirts of town. There is really so much about it I like, could never move away.

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Race King of the Hammers
2. Scuba dive the Great Barrier Reef
3. Take a long trip and travel North and South America, there is so much to see in the world

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I'm not a jeep guy.

How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Facebook.

What is the name of your business/organization?
Kelowna 4x4 Toy Run.

Why did you get into/start this business?
A good friend of mine had been putting on these yearly events for as long as I can remember. He was looking for someone to take over and I volunteered!

What is the goal of your business?
To bring in as many toys and cash donations for kids at Christmas. I arrange to have the Salvation Army on site to collect all donations.

What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
As any self-employed person would know, trying to have some time for 'life' rather than just work all the time can be hard. That struggle combines both work and life.

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I think I would do things the same for the most part, everyone makes mistakes in life and there's no way around that.

What do you always find yourself saying?
'Should have bought a Toyota'

Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Stay humble.

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Seth Rogen because he is Canadian and so funny.

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
It's always best to keep your money in the community! With online shopping getting more popular it's harder and harder for small businesses to survive.

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Growing the Toy Run bigger and bigger every year! Hard to imagine how big it's going to be years from now with the growth we have seen in the last few years.

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
The Kelowna Snow Wheelers for helping on this year's Toy Run!

My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Dorothy Moreno.

Some general comments I would like to share are:
Thanks for the chance to say a bit about myself and my event! I also want ant to thank everyone that comes out for the 4x4 Toy Run for making it bigger every year. Thanks to the Kelowna Snow Wheelers for helping out with trail clearing and marking this year. It wouldn't have been possible without your guys help!

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 organization that help make our city great. Thank you, Kelowna!