Meet Buddy the Elf. He grew up in the North Pole and is just stopping in Kelowna because he's moving to New York City!
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My father and brother, Walter and Michael Hobbs!
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
So Sweet in downtown, because they have all the candy in the world!
Describe yourself in one word.
Nice!
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
The North Pole, of course.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Anywhere that has the elve's four main food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corns and syrup.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
When I was trying to save Christmas and help Santa but I crashed the sleigh in Central Park, attracting a HUGE crowd. It wasn't my fault though because the engine had been lost and we couldn't fly without it!
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
After the sleigh crashed in Central Park, we needed more Christmas spirit to make it fly. Jovie started singing 'Santa Claus is Coming to Town' which restored all of the Christmas spirits and fully powered the sleigh. We all saved Christmas!
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Getting to be the only baritone in the elf choir!
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
Testing toys for Santa. Even though it's the most important job at the North Pole, I still like to think I'm giving back to our community for kids around the world.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Change all the kids on the naughty list to the nice list!
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Going to Orchard Park mall and spreading time with all the elves and Santa!
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
For everyone to spread Christmas cheer and to sing loud for all to hear!
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
Skating at the ice rink at Stuart Park!
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Become Santa's top elf
2. Take Michael to the North Pole
3. To make as many snow angels around the world as I can
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I can cram 11 cookies into a VCR.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
I don't know what those things are but you can find me with my dad, Walter!
What is the name of your business/organization?
Santa's workshop.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I was born into this business, it's a really important job!
What is the goal of your business?
To test toys and spread Christmas cheer!
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or life?
Finding out Walter is on the naughty list…
What do you always find yourself saying?
'Son of a nutcracker!'
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Live every day like it's Christmas!
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Jovie, because I like to go skating with her and listen to her beautiful singing voice.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Since there is only one place to shop up in the North Pole, I think it's very important because the elf works very hard for everything they make and I am very proud of them for what they do!
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Making my way to New York City and finding my dad! I passed through the seven levels of the Candy Cane forest, through the sea of swirly twirly gum drops, and then I walked through the Lincoln Tunnel.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Wanda, because he's the hardest worker in Santa's workshop in New York!
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Papa Elf.
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.
