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?
Shelagh Turner
What do you always find yourself saying?
“Let’s look at the possibilities.”
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select and why?
My husband Doug Rankmore, because he is so incredibly interesting and fun. Economist, Jeffrey Sachs would be a close second. Not sure how fun he is but certainly interesting. I love his practical views on addressing poverty around the world.
If you were to receive any existing public award, what award would you like to win?
Awards aren’t really my thing but I would really like to be known for being a strong community builder.
If you could spend a day with any historical figure, who would you choose and why?
Well, it would be nice to spend a day with Ghandi listening to his stories. Would be nice if some of his wisdom and compassion might rub off on me. And, I wouldn’t mind spending a day learning how to play the guitar with Jimi Hendrix.
Who inspires you?
My dear friend Jody Pihl because she’s incredibly smart and irreverent, passionate about everything and so authentically Jody.
What are three things on your bucket list?
Go to Halifax to visit my daughter and dropping off in Kingston to see my other daughter.
I’ve always wanted to go to a yoga and mediation retreat in India.
Hiking across England – there’s an 11 day hike from West to East in York that sounds like the right combination of challenge and pubs.
If you had an enormous yacht, what would you name it?
That’s funny. I absolutely would not have a yacht. But I might have a nice cedar strip canoe. Maybe I’d call it Lucille. Or I would turn that yacht into some kind of affordable housing project.
What are you passionate about?
My family. My work. The people I work with. Being a part of changing things for the better.
What has been your favourite day of your life, up to this point?
Today.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Being a parent to Annie and Sydney, and watching them grow and develop as incredible citizens and kind people.
Where is your favourite place to dine in Kelowna? What do you like about it?
I’m partial to an intimate gathering of people at someone’s house. The food is always good, the wine is always flowing and the company is always wonderful.
What is your favourite activity or event in Kelowna? Why?
I love doing anything outside. Hiking, biking, running, gardening, cross-country or downhill skiing. The list goes on. It’s so beautiful here. I am happy to be with others or alone. I love it all.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Canadian Mental Health Association Kelowna
What does your business/organization do?
CMHA Kelowna is committed to mental health and well-being in our community. We promote mental health for all by building awareness, understanding and vision for a healthy community. We also support people of all ages and their families, who experience mental illness and it’s collateral impact to live their best lives possible through providing quality programs and services.
Where can people find you or your business online?
www.cmhakelowna.org
Where can people find your business on Facebook?
CMHAKelowna
What is your Twitter account?
@cmhakelowna
How do people connect with you on Linkedin?
ca.linkedin.com/in/shelagh-turner-a6795547
What is your personal mission?
Have a kind heart and be a part of making the world a better place.
If you could achieve one thing within your field, what would it be?
That all people have access to safe, affordable and appropriate housing. We cannot be healthy without a roof over our heads.
Where do you want your business/organization to be in five years?
Hopefully a leader in providing first class service and supports to people of all ages in our community.
What three qualities do you feel that your business/organization exemplifies?
Clear sense of purpose and vision
Collaboration
Innovation
What would you like to say to your employees/volunteers?
You are amazing and I appreciate your contributions to making the world a better place.
How does your business/organization impact the community?
By respectfully supporting people through collaboration.
If you were trapped in an elevator with several wealthy investors from any field, which field would you want them to be experts in? What would say to them/talk about?
I’d ask them to think about what a mentally healthy community means to them, and discuss what each of our contributions are to making that happen. I’d definitely talk about how CMHA makes an impact.
If I could change one thing about Kelowna, it would be:
I encourage people to think about their families and their neighbours, what a mentally healthy community looks like, then act to manifest it. We need more connection and compassion if we’re going to see anything change.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
No question, it’s the people.
My choice for the Kelowna In Focus spotlight is:
Jody Pihl
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!
