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Meet Allyssa. Allyssa was born and raised here in Kelowna! She enjoys going for a workout at Barreroom, sneaking away to the beach for some alone time and spending some quality time with her boyfriend, Jeff.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I was born in Kelowna and grew up in West Kelowna. I've lived in Vancouver for the last 6 years and just moved back to West Kelowna in December 2018.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My boyfriend, Jeff! We were in a long-distance relationship for about 6 years while I was living in Vancouver, so now that I am back in Kelowna, we LOVE that we get to spend more time together.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Pomme Salon! I love having a stylist that I feel confident going to a regular basis, and who recommends awesome products for me to maintain my hair in between appointments.
Describe yourself in one word.
Intentional
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Walt Disney World, because there is nothing more magical than getting to relive your childhood for a couple of days. Plus I'm a sucker for warm weather.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
I love going to Barreroom to workout! The classes are so fun and challenging, plus the studio is perfectly located so I can go grab a coffee or a treat to reward myself after class.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Probably getting hit in the face while playing softball. I had braces at the time, and the ball hit my right in the mouth. Sixth grade me was super embarrassed on the resulting fat lip.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Having the opportunity to work for the Canadian Cancer Society is by far the most inspiring thing that has happened to me. Nearly 1 in 2 Canadians will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, which isn't a fun statistic to think about. But, a cancer diagnosis doesn't have to define a person, which is why at the Canadian Cancer Society our goal is to improve the cancer experience by helping people live longer and enhancing their quality of life. Getting to play a role in supporting this goal inspires me to work hard each and every day.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
My favourite childhood memory is definitely visiting Disneyland with my family (are we sensing a Disney theme here?). For one of our trips we took the train down to California from Seattle and I remember thinking that was such a cool way to travel because it was so different from flying or driving. What I appreciated most about it was that my whole family got to hang out together and just relax - it was very leisurely!
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I am so fortunate that the Canadian Cancer Society provides a lot of opportunities for their staff to volunteer with different initiatives going on throughout the year. Coming up soon I'll be volunteering at the Run for the Cure, which is taking place on Sunday, October 6th at City Park.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
No more cancer! I would love to be out of a job! But this is such a tricky goal because there are over 100 different types of cancer.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
To the beach! Any beach!
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
This is a tricky question because I think Kelowna is such an amazing place already. In terms of positive change, I think we are already starting to see huge growth in the number of young professionals who call Kelowna home and that is super exciting. Investing in youth, and creating ways for young people to be involved in our community will play an important role in continuing this trend and will help make Kelowna a great place for 25 to 35-year-olds to establish their careers.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
You mean besides, are fabulous summers? I think the Kelowna community has a really great sense of pride, which is contagious! It makes you proud to live here and motivates you to invest in making the community the best place it can be.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Adopt a puppy (or 2 or 3)
2. Own a hybrid or electric car
3. Visit all of the Disney parks around the world
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
If my career in fundraising doesn't work out, I would love to be a wedding planner.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Instagram: @allyssa.bossio LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/allyssa-bossio-27737792
What is the name of your business/organization?
Canadian Cancer Society
Why did you get into/start this business?
I started as a co-op student in the Vancouver office and was so inspired by the passion all of the staff and volunteers had for the cause.
What is the goal of your business?
Our mission is the eradication of cancer and the enhancement of the quality of life of people living with cancer.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
Absolutely the same.
What do you always find yourself saying?
"Hello, Canadian Cancer Society, this is Allyssa"
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
"Always assume that everyone is doing the best they can. It will make you a happier, more compassionate person."
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
My mom. I love hanging out with her, and we are both so busy that getting to spend the whole day together would be such a treat.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Local businesses play the biggest role in giving back to the local community, so by shopping with them you are also investing in your own community. It's a win-win.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Being offered the role of Leadership Giving Officer with the Canadian Cancer Society in Kelowna.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Jennifer Saunders! She is our Volunteer and Community Engagement Coordinator here at the Canadian Cancer Society and she works so hard to make sure our volunteers are supported and appreciated for the work that they do.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Cheryl Miller
Some general comments I would like to share are:
If anyone is interested in learning more about what the Canadian Cancer Society is doing here in Kelowna, please don't hesitate to shoot me an email or give me a call at 250-762-6381 x 115.
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!
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