If you are not familiar with Duane Lockwood and Hoopla.com, prepare yourself for a revolutionary idea! They have combined the fun of online gaming with charitable giving. Now, when you want to game in an online community with new friends and old, you can also be doing good in the world by donating your "hoops" to charity! It's a perfect solution for those who would otherwise find volunteering or philanthropic work out of reach. Duane Lockwood is the man behind the site and he is today's In Focus.
What do you always find yourself saying?
Excellent!
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Sir Richard Branson - an incredible business person, innovator and philanthropist
If you were to receive any existing public award, what award would you like to win?
Philanthropist of the Decade, or World's Sexiest Man (if Brad Pitt doesn't already have it locked down)
If you could spend a day with any historical figure, who would you choose?
Jesus Christ - I can only imagine what one might learn from such an influential figure
Who inspires you?
My family and close friends
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Build (with my own two hands) a remote wilderness lodge for my family and friends to enjoy;
2. Go on a one-year, around-the-world tour with my wife, Val; and
3. Go moose hunting in the Yukon.
If you had an enormous yacht, what would you name it?
The Great Escape
If you could foresee a single day of your future in its entirety, what date would you select?
My 80th birthday because that will mean I'm still around to celebrate it!
What are you passionate about?
Individual rights.
What has been your favourite day of your life, up to this point?
The first day of my honeymoon in the Bahamas 30 years ago. Visiting Howard Hughes' Xanadu Beach Resort with my young bride was unforgettable!
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Becoming a grandfather
Where is your favourite place to dine in Kelowna?
Raudz Regional Table
What is your favourite activity or event in Kelowna?
Fishing on Lake Okanagan
What is the name of your business/organization?
Hoopla.com
What does your business/organization do?
Hoopla.com is a free, online gaming website where people can play fun games, win great prizes and support charities that are changing lives around the world.
Where can people find your business on Facebook?
http://www.facebook.com/whatsthehoopla
What is your Twitter account?
@WhatstheHoopla
What is your mission?
We want to give anyone who has access to a computer and the internet the opportunity to help change the world, without spending a cent. For people who want to help others, but don't have time to volunteer or money to donate, Hoopla.com is a great option!
If you could achieve one thing within your field, what would it be?
I'd like us to create a real movement that empowers people to change the world through everyday activities such as playing online games.
Where do you want your business/organization to be in 5 years?
I'd like Hoopla.com to be the pre-eminent online gaming website that is changing lives by letting people Game for Good.
Who do you consider to be a forerunner within your field?
I don't know of any other entertainment company doing quite what we're doing so it feels like we're forging our own path, which is pretty exciting!
What 3 qualities do you feel that your business/organization exemplifies?
Fun, philanthropy and forward thinking
What would you like to say to your employees/volunteers?
We have an incredible team and each person has worked tirelessly to help turn what just six months ago was still an idea into a reality. So I want to say "Thank you!" to them for their passion, positivity and commitment.
How does your business/organization impact the community?
That's the great thing about Hoopla.com - it's all about having an impact. We're passionate about changing the world through gaming for good.
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'd want them to be from the entertainment industry. I'd tell them about our amazing Game for Good concept and as them to tell their friends and contacts about Hoopla.com and help us spread the word!
If I could change 1 thing about Kelowna, it would be:
At this time of year I might be inclined to yearn for less snow and more sunshine, but there's really not much I'd change about Kelowna. I love living here!
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
Two things: The people and the geography!
My choice for the Kelowna In Focus spotlight is:
Alex Lambert of the Garage Sale
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 WelcometoKelowna.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. 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, Kelowna!
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