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 KelownaNow.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.
What is your name?
Liz Dunning
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I was born in Mississauga, Ont., and have lived in Kelowna for two years.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
I’m so lucky to have found an amazing group of friends here in Kelowna. I know it sounds cliché, but they really have become my extended family.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Peru. I would love to cross Hike the Inca Trail off my bucket list.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Cyclepath. They are so knowledgeable and have fantastic service, but it’s a little too easy to spend money there!
What is your favourite activity?
Triathlons, although it is a bit of a love/hate relationship!
If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
My brother-in-law’s homemade tacos.
What is a hidden gem you enjoy in the Okanagan?
Not exactly a secret, but I love heading down to Kinsmen Park. It is a great spot to take photos and enjoy one of our many beautiful Okanagan sunsets.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I was 16 and had just got my licence. I was having a bad day and was driving home from school listening to the music so loud that I managed to temporarily blow a speaker in my mom’s car. The worst part was I was listening to Cher’s Believe… By the way, sorry mom, I never told you about that!
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
My sister, Emma Miller, and I recently hosted a Lip Sync Battle to raise funds for the YMCA of Okanagan. We had over 120 people in attendance and raised over $2,500. The community support was astonishing.
Tell us about your favourite childhood memory.
When I was five, I competed in my very first swimming competition. My sister walked the entire pool deck, cheering me on as I swam. I will never forget how special she made me feel.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I have worked and volunteered at the YMCA for two years. It's a wonderful organization and are often way too quiet about the work it does in our community.
If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?
Erasing the stigma associated with mental health. Being able to talk openly and honestly about depression and anxiety without the fear of judgement or ridicule.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Camping with some good friends.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Riding my bike in East Kelowna.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
Access to affordable rental housing. There are many people in our community who are struggling to find an affordable place to live or are giving up many other opportunities in order to keep a roof over their heads.
If you had one wish for work or in life, what would it be?
In September, I will be going back to school for marketing. I would love to find a job where I can blend my love for photography in a creative work environment.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I lived in a small town of only about 2,000 people in South Korea back in 2012-2013.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Sisters for a Cause.
What does your business do?
For the year of 2016, my sister and I have a fundraiser planned every month with the goal of raising $8,500 for the YMCA of Okanagan.
How to people connect with you through social media?
https://www.facebook.com/sistersforacause/
Where can people find your business online?
www.sistersforacause.com
Why did you get into/start this business?
Emma and I have both been very involved with the YMCA. She had the idea to not only raise money, but to also help de-mystify fundraising and make it seem more achievable.
What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
Balance. I have a hard time saying no, and want to be involved with everything. I have serious FOMO (Fear of Missing Out).
If you could start all over again, would you do things the same or would things be different?
Things would definitely be different, but by fumbling and falling, you learn how to pick yourself back up. Every time something doesn’t go the way I planned, I feel stronger as a person for finding a new path.
Give someone that you think deserves it a shout out and explain why:
Shannon Woolgar. She is a very knowledgeable holistic nutritionist, group fitness instructor and volunteer for the YMCA.
My nomination for the In Focus spotlight is:
Shannon Woolgar of Woolgar Wellness.
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!
