Meet Leigh-Anne. She has lived in Kamloops for 14 years. She is passionate about bringing people together, so she founded an events company. When she isn't being a busy bee with her family, planning events and being creative, you can find her hiking in the mountains!
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kamloops?
My family and I moved here from Kelowna in 2004, but I have lived all over this very diverse province.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
Oh, that's a tough one. I can't choose one because I have too many favourites in my life.
What is your favourite local store in Kamloops and why?
Red Collar Brewing. Love the folks down there... and the beer too!
Describe yourself in one word.
Dedicated.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
That's a tough one, but Scotland has been on my list for a long time. It's rugged beauty and coastlines call me!
What is your favourite activity in Kamloops?
Hiking. There are so many trails to explore.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Haha... I have too many. I'm such a klutz!
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
A while back, I had the opportunity to facilitate a learning group of mentors and super young moms with small children. They were (and are) some of the bravest, loving and hardworking people I know. They have faced some challenging circumstances head-on with determination and grit. They are amazing people, caring parents and tough women. It's an honour to know them, and they definitely inspire me!
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Visiting my aunt, uncle, and cousins at their cabin on Okanagan Lake in the summertime.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
Recently, I volunteered at Foam Fest - Sun Peaks, which was a lot of fun! In the past, I've worked on the ABC Family Literacy committee, but have spent most of my volunteer time in School District 73 doing multiple roles - Parent Leadership Task Force, District Parent Advisory Council co-chair, school planning etc. This is my last year in school...haha...and I will be helping out with my daughter's safe grad.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
To reduce the amount of single-use plastics polluting our oceans and waterways. It's tragic how we misuse our planet.
Where would you sneak away to in Kamloops to spend some time alone?
The trails - Dewdrop, Mt Peter, Juniper Park etc.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kamloops and why?
There are so many wonderful things going in Kamloops right now. However, I'd like to see curb-side recycling expanded to include more items picked up and compostables included.
What do you think makes Kamloops great?
The people are great. The four seasons are wonderful. The location is so central to everything.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Complete a thru-hike. I just need to decide which one to do first!
2. Visit Scotland and the UK.
3. Hike the West Coast Trail.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I love backpacking.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
Facebook and Instagram
What is the name of your business/organization?
LarsenEvents.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I've always been a planner or sorts, and life's circumstances just aligned at the right time to start it up officially.
What is the goal of your business?
1. To plan and execute profitable fundraisers for nonprofits.
2. Reduce the amount of negative event footprint (use less single-use items, use eco-friendly signage, food waste going to landfills etc.)
3. Help to reshape how social events celebrate.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Work- life balance. Always a tough thing to balance.
What do you always find yourself saying?
"What's obvious to me, is not obvious to the other person." I live by this motto in work and in my personal life.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Give people the benefit of the doubt because you never know how life looks from their lenses.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Rick Mercer, when he had his RMR show. How fun would that be to hang out with him when he dropped in on Canadians, all over our great country, to showcase their cause/event/job etc.? And laughing the whole day, too. I’d love to do that!
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
It supports your community by keeping the money local.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
While I don't think 'people' are an accomplishment, I am really proud of my teens. They're interesting people to know, have mindful insights and I always value what they have to say.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
The big-hearted and generous Peter Camerson-Inglis. He's always giving tremendously for the good of the community.
My choice for the KamloopsBCNow In Focus spotlight is:
Dana Goodman.
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!
