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OKANAGAN SUN face another meeting with BCFC league rival Vancouver Island Raiders in the Oct. 19 playoff semi-finals.
IT WAS A celebratory gathering for current and past staff to help mark the 80th birthday of Calona Wines.
FITNESS columnist Bobbie Kittles says the best weapon to prevent injury causing falls for older adults can be a regular exercise regimen overseen by a personal trainer.
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TUESDAY October 9, 2012 The Central Okanagan’s Best-Read Newspaper www.kelownacapnews.com
Social media CEO makes his mark Kathy Michaels STAFF REPORTER
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KELOWNA Gospel Mission employee Doug Tinnes works the kitchen for the mission’s Thanksgiving Day dinner as more than 700 meals were prepared for the homeless and working poor. KEVIN PARNELL/CAPITAL NEWS
▼ KELOWNA GOSPEL MISSION
Thanksgiving feast more than just about eating Kevin Parnell STAFF REPORTER
He wouldn’t give his name, but that wasn’t a surprise, with the stigma that surrounds the Kelowna Gospel Mission and the people it serves. But this Kelowna man was sure appreciative of a warm meal and some good company on Thanksgiving Monday at the Kelowna Gospel Mission’s annual Thanksgiving feast. “Some people view this as
a negative,” said the man, looking around as he left the gospel mission after a traditional turkey meal. “It shouldn’t be that way but it is. It’s great that these people can do this. I find myself in a bind now and again and it’s nice to be able to come and have a nice meal. It’s important.” The man had just enjoyed one of about 700 meals that the Kelowna Gospel Mission prepared for the city’s homeless and those in need on Thanks-
giving. People lined Leon Avenue waiting their turn while an army of volunteers worked the kitchen and served the meals. The man wasn’t what the mission might consider its regular clientele, but was in need of something to lift his spirits on a day most Canadians are spending with family, indulging in turkey feasts. “We have lots of people who I wouldn’t call regulars,” explained Kelowna Gospel Mission executive director Randy
Benson. “But their life situation has it so that they can’t enjoy a meal like most of us do. “Most people across Canada get to enjoy family time on Thanksgiving and we like to provide that.” The Thanksgiving turkey meal is one of three major meals that the Kelowna Gospel Mission provides for free each year, the others being Christmas Day and Easter. It has become the most popular meal of the three and
the kitchen was hopping from noon until the final sitting at 5 p.m. on Monday. Up until three years ago, the mission would serve 400 to 500 meals at Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter. But for the past three years, that number has risen to over 700. The mission holds a turkey drive to get the meat and also relies upon donations of food and money to purchase the rest. See Eating A6
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Ryan Holmes is arguably the Okanagan’s biggest success story. The founder and CEO of the social media management system HootSuite has raised the profile of Canada’s high tech scene, is able to casually speak about his brainchild’s projected market valuation of $500 million and can boast Sir Richard Branson among his list of friends and acquaintances. The latter, he admits, came dangerously close to making him a “gushing fan boy.” With all that and more to his credit, however, Holmes, 37, seemed more like the Vernon guy who started a paintball company right out of high school when he spoke to a crowd laced with family and old high school friends, gathered at Okanagan College campus in Kelowna, last Friday. He was wearing a calculator watch, a few woven bracelets and slipping in references to the Grateful Dead and Star Wars.