Meet Moira. Moira is originally from Virginia and has been living in Kelowna for almost 30 years! She enjoys spending quality time with her husband & best friend, Brian, and hiking the beautiful trails here in the Okanagan.
Photo Credit: Moira Drosdovech
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
Virginia originally, then North Vancouver, Kelowna since 1990.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My husband Brian as we are best friends.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
OPUS as I love art and am an artist.
Photo Credit: Moira Drosdovech
Describe yourself in one word.
Passionate.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Australia to visit my son.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Other than eating really good vegan food, usually of my own making, I love hiking in the local hills!
Photo Credit: Moira Drosdovech
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Getting kicked out a science class in grade 10 for chatting too much, as a straight-A student.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Having my daughter show me a video that altered my entire paradigm on what constitutes food and what constitutes friends, motivating me to adopt veganism and to be a very passionate animal advocate for all species.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Playing "War" with the neighbourhood kids down at the creek, making and throwing mudballs! And playing with our various pets, including ducks and racoons along with the usual dogs, cats, budgies and guinea pigs!
Photo Credit: Moira Drosdovech
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
My staff and I have gone on 3 trips to Mexico to spay and neuter dogs and cats in the last 5 years which takes a crazy amount of fundraising, and we also raise funds with events such as National Cupcake Day for local animal charities. We also are planning our 4th Annual Pet2gether in the Barking Lot, another fundraising event of our own. This year it is on May 26th in conjunction with VegFest Kelowna At Immaculata High School!
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
ZERO ANIMAL EXPLOITATION.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Hiking.
Photo Credit: Moira Drosdovech
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
1) More restaurants adopt a Whole Foods Plant Based menu
2) Everyone living in Kelowna to come out to VegFest Kelowna May 26th and see what it's all about
3) Better bike lanes and more frequent street sweeping!
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The beauty of the city and the surrounding hills and lakes.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
Do not really have a Bucket List but would love to
1) Travel through several countries
2) See my art in many places
3) Learn Spanish fluently
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I have 7 siblings! And I paint!
Photo Credit: Moira Drosdovech
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
@drmoira and @pawsitivevet on IG, Pawsitive Veterinary Care on FB, @vegfest_kelowna on IG, VegFest Kelowna on FB, Whimsical Abstracts on FB
What is the name of your business/organization?
Pawsitive Veterinary Care.
Why did you get into/start this business?
My love of dogs and cats, animals generally.
What is the goal of your business?
Our goal is to work towards a healthier planet and to maintain, regain and sustain long-term optimal health for our patients.
Photo Credit: Moira Drosovech
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Trying to be patient with everyone!
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I wouldn't change a thing with my business approach but I sure would eliminate all the animal eating over the years!
What do you always find yourself saying?
"Where did I set my glasses?!"
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Listen to your heart and find your compassion.
Photo Credit: Moira Drosovech
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Likely Jo-Anne McArthur of WeAnimals http://weanimals.org/ who has travelled the world photo-documenting the plight of animals in many countries and trying with her photos to encourage people to look at how they can treat animals much better than they currently do – animals are the same as us, just different, and we don't need them to live.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
To support local businesses and to reduce environmental impact.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Together with my husband having two fantastic kids that are beautiful people, well-liked by many, enjoying life and contributing to society.
Photo Credit: Moira Drosdovech
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Sarah Parsons because she not only is a fellow vegan but is the main impetus behind VegFest Kelowna and she owns a pug named Picasso! She's also a wonderful artist, animals of course!
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Sarah Parsons
Some general comments I would like to share are:
If there is anything about me right now that readers don't already know, I'm vegan! LOL! It's not a fad, it's not a craze, that's for sure. It's where I pour my passion, including in my artwork. (Yes, I paint and people can see my pieces on FB at Whimsical Abstracts or at ArtWalk in Lake Country.) I'm one of the organizers of VegFest Kelowna as well and invite everyone to attend this year May 16th at Immaculata High school!
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. Thank you, Kelowna!
