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?
Madison Kaneda.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I'm from Vernon and I've lived in Kelowna for about 7 years!
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
I can't pick one. My family and best friend Margo. They are my favourite people for so many reasons. They have been there through all the high and lows, good days and bad. They make me laugh and they laugh at my jokes. They make me a better person, and most importantly they believe in me. I love every moment that I’m with them, even if it's just sitting in silence.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Australia to visit all of my wonderful friends. I spent a year and half living there and was very blessed to have some amazing people in my life.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Frock & Fellow. I'm a huge second-hand shopper and I think it's an awesome idea. Sell clothes you don't wear, buy sweet clothes for cheaper, help the environment and give someone some extra cash.
What is your favourite activity?
Basketball is one of the greatest loves of my life.
If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
Pizza!
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Oh man, too many things. I think I’m naturally a weird person, so what most people find embarrassing, I find funny.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Going to Africa and seeing the poorest parts of the worlds have more love than I’ve ever seen.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Disneyland with the fam. The teacups specifically and because I'm a huge fan of Disney.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
The Central Okanagan Food Bank is my jam right now! I love being able to see the direct impact the food bank has daily. I've got the chance to hear lots of people's stories about how they wouldn't have made it without the support of the food bank. The people that run the place really do an incredible job. They genuinely care deeply about the people that come in and need help. They have supported me and I hope to always support them.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
This questions took me so long to come up with an answer and to be honest I still don’t know what I would change. I feel like there is so much going on in the world today that I don’t even know where to begin. I believe that love is the answer to all. It’s the one thing that beats fear, hate, judgement, and greed. So maybe it would be for people to choose to react out of love.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Shooting hoops at City Park.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
I head down to Abbot beach with some good tunes and a coffee.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I think one of the biggest issues for me is the seeing the homeless on the streets. I honestly don’t know how to begin or know how to help this situation but it's something I find hard to ignore. I can’t imagine what it's like not having a place to sleep each night, especially with the cooler weather as we move into fall. As humans we need food, water and shelter and it’s heartbreaking to see someone without. I know there are some incredible initiatives currently in Kelowna. Supporting and raising awareness for what they are doing could create a positive ripple effect.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
To start, it's easy on the eyes. We are surrounded by beautiful mountains, lakes, orchards and wineries. But for me it's the people. They genuinely care and strangers normally smile back at you when you walk past.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Swim with a killer whale. Yes, you read that right. I literally want to swim with an orca, or better yet ride one like in Free Willy. I also guarantee I will do this at some point.
2. Live in California.
3. Hike the West Coast Trail.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I have strong obsessions with some very random things. To name a few: Taylor Swift, Harry Potter, Disney, killer whales, basketball, and wearing grey sweat pants with a grey hoodie.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest)
Instagram mainly!
What is the name of your business/organization?
You’ve Got The Love.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I spent some time in Africa last year and it really rocked my world. My time spent there opened my perspective on what I truly wanted to do with my time here on Earth. I realized how much joy I had while being there by simply helping and loving others. When I came back to Canada I had this intense desire to do something, which evolved into You’ve Got The Love.
What is the goal of your business?
To create meaningful products that have a heartbeat. Our goal is to inspire and empower people to be kind, give back and love deeper.
What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
I’ll tell you my current struggle and its how to do this whole 'adulting' thing. 27 really hit me hard this year. Yes, I know I’m still very young, but for me it was this big moment of like 'okay, its time to pull it together, stop avoiding things you don’t want to deal with, like taxes and figuring out what you really want to do.' I’ve always considered myself a bit of an overachiever and I set the standards high for myself, maybe too high and more most of 2017 I’ve put this insane amount of pressure on myself to be perfect. Obviously, as humans, we will NEVER be perfect, but for some reason I felt this need to always be doing more and feeling like everything I do is never enough. Silly, I know. So, to sum it up, the current thing I’m learning about is how to be okay with not having my stuff together and knowing that I don’t have to figure it all out.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
Same.
What do you always find yourself saying?
'He’s got you.' He being God.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Stephen Curry. Not only because he is the greatest three point shooter ever but I would love to hear how the balances his life with being a superstar, a dad, a husband, his faith and so many more things. I’m also in love with him, so that helps.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
You literally have the power to help make someone's dream a reality. That is amazing.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
I have two that are extremely different. Hitting my last three pointer of my University basketball career at UBCO and volunteering in Africa for two months.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Sheldon Gardiner and his gang at Volinspire! Volinspire is a community engagement platform that brings volunteers, community organizations and businesses together to build more caring communities. I could go on and on about the incredible stuff they are doing but you should personally go check them out HERE.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Sheldon Gardiner from Volinspire.
Some general comments I would like to share are:
Thanks for ALL the love and support. As cliché as it is, I really couldn't do this without everyones encouragement and help. To check out more about You've Got The Love head over to our website! And if you ever want to get involved or go for coffee you can e-mail me at info@youvegotthelove.ca.
Also shout out to Boketto Photography for the epic pictures. You can check them out on Instagram or website for more details.
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.
