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?
Donna Morel.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I was born and raised in Winnipeg, then moved to the lower mainland for five years, then moved to Kelowna 36 years ago and love it.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My loving husband Walter. There is no place he would rather be than with me, and there is no place I would rather be than with him.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Australia! I have never been but would love to experience the warm ocean waters and miles of beaches with my family.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Nesters. It is our local corner grocery store, big enough to have everything and small enough to find everything.
What is your favourite activity?
Soaking in the warm waters of Halcyon Hot Springs for hours at a time. Is that an activity?
If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
A thin crust pizza with some kind of international toppings.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I do not embarrass easily, but one day I accidentally barged into a synagogue halfway through a Bar Mitzvah service and everyone noticed. However, we were greeted with smiling faces and open arms.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I was baptized at Trinity Baptist Church in 1983.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
For Christmas, we always got a huge tree that took hours to decorate. Then the anticipation of waiting for, it seemed like eons, all the excitement on Christmas morning with our family of five. Followed by a large family dinner of more than 30 with all of our cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
Over the years I have volunteered at several community events such as the Triathlon as well as school and church activities. I was also a Red Cross volunteer for about 15 years. Recently I sponsored several soccer teams for their team kits.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I would love everyone to live by these two commandments. 'Love the Lord God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. And the second is Love our neighbour as yourself.' Just imagine how different the world would be!
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
In the summer on Wednesday evenings, I would meet a friend for a swim in the lake at Tugboat beach, then eat our picnic on the hill by Island Stage to listen to the music of the performers and watch the sailboat race while enjoying visiting other spectators.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
I take our little dog, Maverick, for a walk to various locations.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I would like to keep all the high rises away from the downtown core along the lake and keep them on Springfield and the Landmark area. To keep the lake for everyone to enjoy.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
Kelowna is lucky to have four completely different seasons with fairly equal length of time. Not one of them too extreme, always changing, so as not to get bored. We have lots of culture, sports events, families activities and free summer concerts.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Visit family in Italy and Slovenia.
2. Take a train ride across Canada, but fly back.
3. Finish redecorating our home.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I love to sew.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.)
Facebook.
What is the name of your business/organization?
We Teach Swimming (WETS).
Why did you get into/start this business?
Aquatic has always been part of my life, with my mom being a swim instructor. After teaching swimming in the public sector for many years I realized that people were wanting more than what was being offered.
What is the goal of your business?
To train instructors to teach swim strokes and skills in an easy streamlined method so students can learn quickly to have strong strokes and a good sense of safety.
What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
Finding a good pool with a great location.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I would have built my own pool to suit our program.
What do you always find yourself saying?
'Has anyone taken the dog for a W-A-L-K today?'
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Queen Elizabeth II. Over the years I have learned to respect her and the position she holds.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
So we can support each other and better enjoy the life we have here in the Okanagan.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Raising my daughter, Susie.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Karen Engel. She's an angel on wheels.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Andy Stevenson, the owner and founder of Soccaskool Junior Academy.
Some general comments I would like to share are:
I love living in Kelowna. The changes have been significant in terms of size and opportunity. I love the lake, the mountains, the weather and best of all the people that live here. That's what makes it home!
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.
