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?
Lyndie Hill
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Penticton?
Originally from Penticton, I lived in New Zealand for eight years and travelled for more.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My kids. I can never get enough time with them. And my extended family; they ground and support me.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment, where would you go and why?
Definitely somewhere I've not been before, that could include South America or Africa.
What is your favourite activity?
Wilderness hiking and camping.
If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
Taco-flavored pizza burgers. I’m an eater, what can I say?
What is a hidden gem you enjoy in the Okanagan?
The Cliffs above Ellis Creek Canyon.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I can’t talk about it.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
My kids inspire me every single day.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Learning to dirt bike ride with my father at my Grampa’s cabin.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
Hoodoo Adventures has many community initiatives that raise money for kids, and all of our events have a community charity component to them. We have donated thousands and will continue to raise more as we grow.
If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?
I’d remove greed. It’s responsible for so many bad decisions.
What is your favourite activity in the Okanagan?
Hiking or experiencing all the amazing gems that are so close and so accessible. We are blessed to be so spoilt for options.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
I’d get on the water, or to the top of a mountain.
If you could be granted one wish for work or in life, what would it be?
A bit more time to enjoy it all.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I don’t like peas.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Hoodoo Adventure Co
What does your business do?
Indoor climbing gym, outdoor climbing tours and tuition, bike and kayak rentals, hiking and rappelling. Velo Vino Cycle wine/culture experience tours. Kayak wine tours. Kayak wildlife tours. Outdoor education, school programs and summer camps. We also put on races, festivals and events.
Where can people find your business online?
www.hoodooadventures.ca
Why did you get into/start this business?
Passion for the wilderness and a burning desire to introduce the wonders of the outdoor education to youth.
What is the goal of your business?
To be self-sustaining and to see our not-for-profit arm raise enough money to fund outdoor education programs for Okanagan kids to attend free of charge.
What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
In work, getting this business to where it is today has been anything but easy, but a lesson in perseverance and belief. In life, I lost my mobility last year due to spinal issues and was in constant agony until surgery was the only option. It’s amazing what we take for granted until we cannot move without excruciating pain.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
With the clarity of hindsight, maybe there would be a few small things I’d choose to avoid this time around, but most of the big stuff I’d do all over again. It’s how I got here, and I like where I am.
Why do you think it is important to shop local?
Independent retailers and small businesses can offer variety, service, uniqueness, convenience and more, but to do so they need to turn over product. We should all look to local businesses first.
Give someone that you think deserves it a shout out and explain why:
All working mothers; the struggle is real.
My nomination for the In Focus spotlight is:
Pat, owner of Cannery Brewing for 15-plus years of quality products and service, community-minded business and for being a hard-working professional.
Other information you would like to share:
Companies and individuals can make tax deductible donations to the Youth Outdoor Recreation Society (YORS) not-for-profit society to help us get closer to our goal of funding outdoor education for Okanagan youth. Our Kayak Wine Tour was also awarded a top-three finish in Readers’ Digest top-10 kayak experiences in Canada. New Zealand, Mexico, and Alaska are on our list of places we visit. Join us.
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!
