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In Focus | Sam Numsen

Meet Sam. He has lived in Kamloops for six years. He is a social advocate and spends much of his time giving back to his community. He has been on the Kamloops Pride Board and the Kamloops Film Festival marketing and community engagement subcommittees for two years and has volunteered with many charitable organizations.

Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kamloops?
I grew up in Summerland, an idyllic little spot in the South Okanagan, but have happily called Kamloops home since 2012.

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
I love spending time with my partner of more than eight years, Michael, as well as friends and family. However, if I’m being completely honest, I really cherish my alone time!

What is your favourite local store in Kamloops and why?
How could I pick just one? I eat far too many brownies from The Art We Are and I love Mittz Kitchen...and Scoopz. Oh, and Sweet Spot Cupcakes on Hillside at Pacific Way, too! Can you tell I like to eat?

Describe yourself in one word.
Lucky.

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
I’ve strolled the cobblestone streets of Rome, swam in the waters of the Great Barrier Reef and driven across Canada in an RV...but I will always be happiest when I’m in 40 degree heat and endless sun in Palm Springs, California!

<who> Photo Credit: Kim Anderson </who>

What is your favourite activity in Kamloops?
As part of my previous job with Shaw TV, I was lucky enough to be able to try countless activities throughout the region including beekeeping, riding a Segway through Tsútswecw Provincial Park, joining the Kamloops Mounted Patrol for a day and even strapping on roller skates with the Tournament City Roller Derby team. During my six years there, I realized just how much there is to do in this city if you simply look for it. Outside of those fun one-offs, I love going up to Harper in the winter and enjoying the odd disc golf game up in Rose Hill and strolling through the Saturday morning Farmer’s Market in the summer.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Too many to count, though one that stands out is ripping the back of my dress pants from waistband to thigh as a result of dropping it like it was hot at a wedding a few years ago. To make matters worse, I failed to notice until someone approached me to break the news. I wondered why I felt a sudden breeze...

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I was so honoured to be part of the team that brought the first-ever downtown Kamloops Pride Parade to fruition in August of 2017. I will never forget the feeling as we came around the corner of Victoria and 1st to see hundreds of spectators that had lined the street to watch Kamloops make history.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Walking to the movie rental store with my parents and our golden retriever on Friday nights.

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I consider myself first and foremost a volunteer and am happiest when I’m doing something for someone else. I have been on the Kamloops Pride board and the Kamloops Film Festival marketing and community engagement subcommittees since 2016. Once a month, as part of the Storybook Program, I visit the Kamloops Regional Correctional Centre and help inmates record themselves reading children’s books onto CDs that are mailed home to their families. No matter how stressful or miserable my day may have been, I’m always reinvigorated by it. It’s a great reminder that while people make mistakes, they shouldn’t always be defined by them. I also volunteered for the Point-In-Time Homeless Count, was a judge for the 2018 Kamloops Ambassador Society Pageant and can be found wrapping gifts at Aberdeen Mall each holiday season in support of the BC Cancer Society. Not to toot my own horn, but I think my wrapping skills are pretty top-notch so remember that come December.

<who> Photo Credit: Chris Warner </who>

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I’d like to see an increased sense of empathy. Empathy for those in need and empathy for those whose lives look different than our own.

Where would you sneak away to in Kamloops to spend some time alone?
In the summer, I like to rollerblade the McArthur Island Park loop to clear my head.

Where would you like to see positive change in Kamloops and why?
The city has done a really great job leaning in to the “Tournament Capital” brand, but over the past few years, we’ve seen just how many different activities and enterprises Kamloops has the potential to become known for. I think immediately of our burgeoning wine industry and the uptick in block party-style events like BrewLoops, for example, which has made a massive impact since its inception just four short years ago. The list doesn’t end there: Hydra Festival, KamCon, Pride Week and Parade, Subculture Festival... look at RibFest, now the largest rib festival in western Canada after only seven short years. I certainly wouldn’t want Kamloops to lose the Tournament Capital title – I think the resulting infrastructure has contributed immensely to Kamloops’ livability – but I do hope to see the community continue to embrace other ways we can show off what we have to offer.

What do you think makes Kamloops great?
The first thing that always comes to mind when I’m asked this question is the people! I take pride in telling all of my friends who live elsewhere how approachable, friendly and passionate Kamloops residents are. I think it’s something in the water.

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
Learn to speak German (my father emigrated from Germany when he was in high school)
Skydive (and land)
Host Thanksgiving dinner for my entire family (mostly to return the favour to my mom who makes an incredible meal every year. Thanks, mom!)

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
When I was a kid, I was on a bowling team. Our team name was “Sam and the Smurfettes." It was the only sport my parents made me try that didn’t end in tears – ha!

How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
You can find me on Twitter and Instagram at @samuelnumsen, as well as LinkedIn and Facebook as, well, me!

What is the name of your business/organization?
I work at New Gold – New Afton Mine as the Community Specialist.

Why did you get into/start this business?
Before joining New Gold last fall, I had worked in journalism and television for over six years. I was really looking for a fresh challenge and jumped at the opportunity to develop new skills and sharpen my existing ones with the incredible team at New Afton. The role really encompasses a lot of my passions and skills so I think it’s a great fit.

What is the goal of your business?
As a member of the Environment and Social Responsibility Department, we are committed to being not only stewards of the natural environment in which we operate, but also of the community that we are all part of. This sentiment is definitely echoed throughout the local workforce of over 400 employees, more than 70% of which live in Kamloops. Through our sponsorship and donations program for example, we really prioritize community investments that are far-reaching, long-lasting and tangible – whether that’s funding the overhaul of the Mt. Paul Food Centre or contributing to the purchase of a new Para-Transit bus for People In Motion. When all is said and done, we’d like to be able to say we have helped Kamloops become a better place than it was before.

<who> Photo Credit: Kim Anderson </who>

What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
A big struggle for me throughout my twenties has been learning not to take on too much. I’m always striving for balance but can’t seem to get a handle on it. One saying that really resonates with me as I close in on my thirties is “you can’t do everything, but you can do anything.”

What do you always find yourself saying?
I say “no worries” a lot...too much, in fact, that it may actually be worrying.

Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Something I’m really trying to keep in mind lately is the adage “pain is inevitable, suffering is optional”.

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
I love Amy Sedaris and think a day spent with her would be equal parts unforgettable, hilarious and weird.

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Beyond the economics, the big thing for me is the spirit and character you get with many locally-owned businesses. You can’t tell me you feel the same walking into a big box store as you do walking into Castles and Cottages, or that you get the same vibe walking into a chain restaurant as you do sitting down in the blissful organized chaos of Hello Toast on a Saturday morning. Every retailer has its place, but I think shopping locally gives you a really good idea of what makes our city special.

<who> Photo Credit: Peter Olsen </who>

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
I was honoured to be one of several recipients of an Exemplary Service Award from the City of Kamloops in April of this year. I can’t say I felt altogether worthy standing next to people like Laura Kalina and Maureen McCurdy, but I was happy to be there at any rate.

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
I’d like to give a shout out to all of the people who put their name forward for positions during the recent municipal election. Whether you’re the mayor, a councillor or a school trustee, there is a considerable measure of selflessness, thick skin and dogged perseverance required. All candidates should be proud of themselves and thanked for their willingness to serve.

My choice for the KamloopsBCNow In Focus spotlight is:
Jordan Popadynetz of the Kamloops Heritage Railway.

Some general comments I would like to share are:
If you find yourself complaining more often than not, get involved. It will change the game!


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!



Send your comments, news tips, typos, letter to the editor, photos and videos to [email protected].




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