Joyce is a woman who walks her talk. She is zealous about raising awareness and helping those around her to see their part in the global community. And so she got involved with Global Citizen Kelowna.
This is a great 14 day campaign with 8 major events all full of fun and education on what it truly means to be a global citizen. This weekend is the last chance to get out and enjoy the different happenings. These include Global Music Fest , a series of ethnically diverse concerts running from Mar 1-3, and An Artist's Eye on the World, an interactive family event on March 2 where you can design your own work of art.
Today we celebrate Joyce and Global Citizen Kelowna In Focus.
What do you always find yourself saying?
Give hope
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Nelson Mandela
If you were to receive any existing public award, what award would you like to win?
"Well done, good and faithful servant'
If you could spend a day with any historical figure, who would you choose?
Hosea - a Biblical character who loved without being loved back
Who inspires you?
People who think beyond themselves
What are some things on your bucket list?
To see Global Citizen Kelowna become an initiative in other cities.
To travel to humanitarian projects that are making a lasting and respectful impact internationally
If you had an enormous yacht, what would you name it?
Hopeful
If you could foresee a single day of your future in its entirety, what date would you select?
The day before I die
What are you passionate about?
Seeing people become inspired!
Making a difference in the lives of those without 'a voice'
Bringing hope to those who have lost theirs or have had it stolen from them.
What has been your favourite day of your life, up to this point?
I love life! Every day is a favourite. The most awe-some was repeated 4 times - having our children and now 5 more times - our grandchildren!
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Lots of them! Seeing new immigrants who felt isolated come to the Taste of Home and realize how diverse Kelowna really is AND being able to introduce them to people from their native country. Having the confidence of the voters of Kelowna in being elected to represent them on the Board of Education. Seeing my kids make good decisions. Seeing the growth of Global Citizen Kelowna events - where our events aim to entertain educate, and inspire to action
Where is your favourite place to dine in Kelowna?
Most of the ethnic restaurants. My current favourite is the Geung
What is your favourite activity or event in Kelowna?
Global Citizen Kelowna Week of course!
What is the name of your business/organization?
Global Citizen Kelowna
What does your business/organization do?
Organizes events to bring awareness of the UN Millennium Development Goals and to promote local groups which are active in trying to reach those goals!
Where can people find you or your business online?
http://www.globalcitizenkelowna.org
Where can people find your business on Facebook?
http://www.facebook.com/GlobalCitizenKelowna
What is your Twitter account?
globalcitizenkelowna
What is the inspiration for GCK?
9 years ago, Hope for the Nations, which is the North American lead organization for the United Nations IRENE network, held a conference for other members. Realizing that most UN associated organizations were located in Eastern Canada we decided to open the conference to the general community here and especially to local non-profit groups which are working internationally. What we discovered was that there are a number of international humanitarian groups based out of Kelowna! So each year since then we have celebrated an annual initiative called Global Citizen Kelowna to highlight these groups and encourage others in our community to get involved!
What is your mission?
To Entertain, Educate and Inspire to Action
If you could achieve one thing within your field, what would it be?
To see Kelowna to be even more welcoming to residents here and to be globally involved.
Where do you want your business/organization to be in 5 years?
Replicated in other cities and people in Kelowna to not say "I would have gone but I didn't hear about the event...
Who do you consider to be a forerunner within your field?
Nick Arkle was the founder and I believe forerunner of GCK but there are lots of people like Bono, Craig Kielburger and kids who run lemonade stands and support an orphan or the ladies which faithfully sew bags and donate the monies to benevolent projects
What 3 qualities do you feel that your business/organization exemplifies?
Volunteerism,
Humanitarianism - From Me focus to We focus
Compassion
What would you like to say to your employees/volunteers?
Keep up the great work!! YOU are awesome
How does your business/organization impact the community?
Hosts 8 major events over a 14 day period with several hundred volunteers with events targeting various age and interest demographics and witness not only the emotional impact but the passion to do good in your community which it encourages!
What do you think people can get out of it?
Inspiration and a place to make community-minded friends. Great food and an appreciation of our diverse community.
Life! Or so we were told this week by a participant who said they now have a greater motive to move forward thinking of others rather than just feeling caught in their own circumstances! A young mom today said that GCK gave her children an opportunity to experience other cultures as well as global issues that can start a conversation – leading to positive action.
What does it mean to be a global citizen in Kelowna?
Thinking beyond yourself! We are ALL global citizens.
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?
Micro-finance - how do we empower the poor in a respectful and long-lasting way?
If I could change 1 thing about Kelowna, it would be:
Less 'cliques'. I am repeatedly told that Kelowna is a very hard city to 'break into'. This is not my experience personally but we did arrive here 22 yrs ago with friends and family already here.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The people! The appreciation and availability of incredible nature and opportunities to enjoy it!
Some general comments I would like to share are:
There has been events for all ages during Global Citizen Kelowna and there are still some great ones left! The Global Music Fest is great for adults and young adults at the Laurel on Friday and Saturday March 1-2 and youth at Trinity on Sunday March 3.
And there is a childrens’ event – although any age is welcome - the Artist Eye on the World creating art projects with Cool Arts Society. Admission is by donation with proceeds going to a program in India for children with diverse-abilities. This new and exciting event will be help at the Laurel March 2 from 1-3 p.m.
More details on the GCK website www.globalcitizenkelowna.org
Joyce and a Ghanaian orphan
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!
