Meet Leanne. She was born and raised in Kamloops. She work at Fisherman's Market and enjoys spreading awareness about seafood and sustainability.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kamloops?
I am from Kamloops. I have lived here all my life.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My best friend Janine. Horses brought us together and she is one of the hardest working people I know. Our time is always spent with horses, good music and lots of laughter!
What is your favourite local store in Kamloops and why?
Besides Fisherman's Market?
Describe yourself in one word.
Reliable
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Greece!! I want to see my homeland. Its such a historic place - where civilization began.
What is your favourite activity in Kamloops?
I have to pick just one? Has to be Hiking and Fishing!
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas! haha
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Watching my mom beat cancer not once, but twice! Seeing her courageous and brave attitude through both inspired me more than she will ever know. She is such a strong woman, a determined woman.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
My favourite childhood memory is actually a group of memories. I was pretty much brought up on the lakes around Kamloops. My dad would come home from work and mom would have the picnic cooler ready and off to the lake we went! Weekends and holidays were also spent fishing on the lake. I believe this is why I have such a deep love and respect for nature.
Oh - and my first pony! haha
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
For many years, I was a volunteer with the Kamloops Dressage Show - organizing and running the horse show with a great team of people. I also served as a volunteer with the Kamloops Hiking Club - on the board of directors and as a hike leader. Now that I am with Fisherman's Market, I have been given the opportunity to give talks and demonstrations about seafood and sustainability at a local high school. I have really enjoyed this opportunity to help educate the young customer of the future and help better inform them about our oceans and whats in them.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Sadly, there is more than one thing, but I would have to say - saving our Oceans. It is an amazing and beautiful resource that supports our entire ecosystem. I worry that if we don't start really opening our eyes and taking care of it, that it won't be accessible to the future generations.
Where would you sneak away to in Kamloops to spend some time alone?
One of my favourite places to go is the hiking trail on McConnell Lake. It's quiet, serene, beautiful and I love seeing the resident Moose!
Where would you like to see positive change in Kamloops and why?
More doctors, better parking at the hospital for patients and families of patients.
What do you think makes Kamloops great?
Our location. While we have a lot of things to offer right here, being in such close proximity to the coast, Okanagan and rocky mountains makes Kamloops the place to be!
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
I have been very fortunate to have crossed a few things off my list in the past few years, but....
1. See Greece
2. Hike the West Coast Trail
3. Watch my best friend win an Olympic Medal
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I am adopted - and proud of it!
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
Usually Facebook
What is the name of your business/organization?
I am currently the assistant manager at Fisherman's Market
Why did you get into/start this business?
Family. My uncle was a commercial fisherman all his life (Halibut and Salmon) and my dad did some gillnet salmon fishing on the Fraser River many many years ago. So a fish shop was a perfect fit!
What is the goal of your business?
To offer sustainable seafood, education and cooking inspiration!
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
My weight - and losing a lot of it.
What do you always find yourself saying?
What goes around, comes around... Karma
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Try! Never give up! Moderation is the key to everything!
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Hmmmmmm.... Besides The Rock? lol
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
We need to support our local businesses, farmers, growers, etc. I think people are becoming more educated about where there food comes from and supporting a local business is the best way to do that.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Losing over 100lbs!
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Chef David Tombs from Terra Restaurant. I love that it's family run. He shops local! He is at the Farmer's Market twice a week, and supports all the local shops and businesses. He has a passion for what he does and it shows!
My choice for the KamloopsBCNow In Focus spotlight is:
Chef David Tombs
Some general comments I would like to share are:
I think it's awesome you guys do this! What a wonderful way to recognize members of the community!
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, Kamloops.
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!
