Tara Tschritter ~ Inn From the Cold
Lining the walls of the men’s section at Inn From the Cold–Kelowna (IFTC) are 12 sets of bunk beds. Unlike military barracks, the bunks here are not all metal-framed—two wooden beds keep the room from feeling regimental. In the women’s area beyond a divider are four sets of bunks. Each bunk is numbered and comes with a corresponding locker. The walls of the room are brown and the ventilation system looks industrial. Yet for all that, the room has a warm and welcoming... Read More
Yarn Bomb ~ Cool Arts Society
Darn. We’re late again. I race along the walkway to the Rotary Centre for the Arts with my children. Somewhere inside the building a patient friend sits waiting for our coffee date. I’m about to run through the door when something catches my eye—a tree wearing a sweater. I’m thrust into a slow motion scene where I’m pelted with unexpected bullets of beautiful art. They blow through me, leaving holes that peer into a place of childlike joy, while simultaneously stimulating... Read More
Democracy Reigns Supreme for BOTO
Twice each year for 18 years, readers of Okanagan Life have come together in an exercise celebrating democracy, to vote for their favourite pastimes, businesses and people. It appears the Best of the Okanagan (BOTO) brand is alive and well in the Okanagan—you only have to walk along any Okanagan or Shuswap main street to see the award certificates in the windows and on the walls of the proud recipients. Okanagan business leaders woo your vote by providing exemplary service and... Read More
Cynthia Kereluk ~ Criteraid
Cynthia Kereluk and Paul Rodgers, Summerland’s beauty queen/rock legend couple, lend a helping hand to animals in the Okanagan and around the world. “I love animals and I love my hometown of Summerland,” says Cynthia. Winner of the 1984 Miss Canada title, she later became a fitness guru with her own television exercise program. In 2007, Cynthia married English-born Grammy winner Paul Rodgers and the couple settled in Summerland. Paul is best known as a member of the rock... Read More
Business Crisis Sparks Team Solidarity and Community Support
Flooring Canada Kelowna’s motto is “With you every step of the way.” For the past year, while the business has been recovering from a crisis, owner Perry Hildebrandt says that their motto took on a new meaning: the community was supporting his company every step of the way. In August 2011, as Perry watched fire destroy his showroom, he wondered what would become of his company. Today he’s amazed at how the business has flourished. “My team deserves the greatest acknowledgment,”... Read More
18th Annual Readers’ Choice Awards
This is the 18th consecutive year that our readers have voted for their favourite business heroes in the North, Central and South Okanagan. Happy business people who receive the hottest award in the Valley know that Okanagan Life readers vote by way of official ballot–this year by our first ever online ballot. These quality businesses display the Best of the Okanagan award in their offices and retail stores for all to see. In Okanagan Life’s 24-year life we’ve worked... Read More
Travel Planner
Winter clouds gather on the horizon and we start thinking snowbird thoughts; it’s a reflex. This year the soaring loonie is making those southern destinations look more attractive than ever. But I’ve also found some cool options that may tempt you to spread your wings in a new direction. And while you’re in planning mode, remember that now’s the time to book if you’ve got a mind to walk among Amsterdam’s sea of tulips in April or glide among the castles, vineyards... Read More
