Meet Sarah Carson. Sarah was born in Cranbrook but has lived in beautiful Kelowna for 27 years. She is a busy girl who always manages to make time for those she loves the most.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I was born in Cranbrook, and have lived in Kelowna for 27 years.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My amazing husband Morgan Jones. He can make me laugh no matter what the circumstance, and is one of the friendliest (and goofiest) people I know.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Mosaic - I love reading, and the Neill family is so lovely. We have a book club devoted entirely to their store!
Describe yourself in one word.
Busy!
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Sparkling Hill - it would be great to just have a little break!
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Running! We have a fantastic running community, and Kelowna is so picturesque.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Giving a speech in French when I lived in Trois-Rivieres, and forgetting a word. I asked "Qu'est-ce que c'est What Is?" (essentially I said - What is what is?)
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I've been all around the world, and seen a lot of starving children and poverty. But, I've also seen the work that volunteering can do to assist these people. It's because of this that I choose to help the Central Okanagan Food Bank especially in their off season - I believe that everyone should have access to healthy and nutritious food.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
I have wonderful parents, so there's many of them, but the first one that comes to mind is my dad putting on the song "Stray Cat Strut" and dancing around the living room with me spinning, while my mom laughed in the background at him saying "Meow". He's the kind of man who built my sister and I a huge playground and gave up half of his beautiful yard so we could dig to China and eat mud pies.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
Every Monday for the past 10 years my Mother, Roni Carson, and I have volunteered as leaders for the 2nd Knox Mountain Spark Group. Sparks are the 5 and 6-year-old Girl Guides, and we teach them camping skills, community involvement, and get to watch them grow. I also organize the Hungry Hungry Half - a non profit run and walk event where all proceeds support the Central Okanagan Food Bank. We've donated a few thousand dollars in both money and food supplies over the three years it's been organized. On May 25, 2018, will be our fourth annual event.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Pollution.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Knox Mountain - I love walking up there with our dog Lola.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I'd love to see something being done about the homeless population. It seems like this problem is growing exponentially. We even had someone take our patio cushions off of our deck and attempt to set up a shelter in our storage shed last year.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The people! I think we have a thriving community, lots of interesting and diverse events, a great mayor and council, and lots of unique businesses.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
I don't believe in bucket lists, so anytime I want to do something I try to make it happen immediately. Some of my current goals that I'm working towards are: building a carriage home, continuing to see the world (this year we are going to Europe, Iceland, Tel Aviv, Cairo and Petra), and hoping to start my own small business.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
Despite us travelling to over 30 countries, I still hate flying.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
Personally, I'm on LinkedIn, and you can reach me through Facebook at HungryHungryHalf.
What is the name of your business/organization?
The Hungry Hungry Half Marathon.
Why did you get into/start this business?
On the way home from a run, my husband and my friend Daryl and I started talking about what we felt the ultimate run would include - from there it morphed into the Hungry Hungry Half! This event combines all of our favourite aspects of running.
What is the goal of your business?
To promote community, encourage fitness, and raise funds for the Central Okanagan Food Bank.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Making time for myself. I would rather help others, and spend time with those who need me than spend it on my own self-care.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
Absolutely I would do it the same - I wouldn't give up my life with Morgan and my stepkids Savannah and Jayden for anything.
What do you always find yourself saying?
"Sheesh-a-mareesh!"
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
You can always make more money, but you can't make more time.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Elon Musk. I think he's incredibly driven, intelligent and has a ton of fun experiences that would be interesting to hear about.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
To keep money in our community, and jobs in Kelowna.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Watching my mom cross the finish line after finishing her first half marathon (the Hungry Hungry naturally!), really made me realize how much I can do.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
My sister - Carolyn Haug. She runs her own business (Carson Photography), works part-time at IH, raises her son Beckett with her husband Mike, and is going back to school full time to become a carpenter. Very inspiring!
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Mike Greer - Elevation Outdoors Executive Director.
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 organizations that help make our city great. Thank you, Kelowna!
