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Meet Sean and Val Lalonde! Val grew up in the Okanagan and Sean moved here almost 20 years ago. They are both extremely passionate about supporting our community and they love to spend quality time with each other and their five children, especially in Disneyland.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
Val- Lived in the Okanagan as a kid. Moved to Ireland as a teen and back to the Okanagan about 17 years ago.
Sean- Grew up on Vancouver Island, moved to the Okanagan almost 20 years ago.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
Our family, we have 5 kids and love going on adventures together.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
We love having coffee at Canoe coffee house. Great coffee, friendly staff, cool atmosphere.
Describe yourself in one word.
Val- Outgoing
Sean- Great listener
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Disneyland is our family's favourite place on earth.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
We love Scandia for a family outing and the beach is our second home during the summer.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Once Sean and I ran into a lady we hadn't seen in a while. Sean asked her if she was pregnant. Val tried to hide it was obvious the lady was not pregnant but had grown a bit. She began to cry and Sean began to try and dig himself out of that hole.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
We have worked with youth in the community for over 16 years since we met. Both of us have poured our heart and soul into the community. There have been lots of times we have been hurt and lots of times we've made life long relationships. Coming into the current season we are in where Sean is battling Stage four liver cancer it has been so inspiring to see our Kelowna community that we have loved for so long come around our entire family and help us fight this battle together. We have felt so much love and support it has been incredible and has given Sean so much strength and blessed our kids and family as we go through this hard season.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Val- Jet skiing on the lake with my dad and family. My dad owned a local motorbike shop so we did a lot of sports like that which was fun.
Sean- Fishing trips with my dad. He loved to fish, I did not but we'd always get KFC and that was a favourite of mine.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
We met at a youth centre called HeBrews on the west side where we both volunteered for 3 years. We both have a heart for youth and are always looking for ways to be involved in the community that way. Sean would love to see an indoor skatepark/ coffee shop opened for youth in Kelowna. Sean also worked for Kelowna Gospel Mission for a year and has a heart for the disenfranchised youth in Kelowna.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
That people would love more and judge less.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
The Cove on the west side is a favourite getaway from home. Right on the lake and offseason has great prices for locals.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
As previously stated, we'd both would love to see more positive outlets for youth in the community. Places they can go to connect, be mentored, and have fun, that are free of drugs and alcohol.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The people. The community really cares for one another. You see this when there have been fires, and we've experienced this in this season.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
We'd love to do something big and impactful in our community.
Would love to go on a Disney Cruise as a family.
Would love to own a house downtown Kelowna.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
We never dated or even held hands before we decided to get married. We were best friends and said "let's get married!", 15 years ago in September.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
facebook: prayforseanlalonde Instagram: @lalondey website: www.prayforsean.com gofund me: www.gofundme.com/lalondefamily
What is the name of your business/organization?
We are fundraising for cancer treatment for Sean.
Why did you get into/start this business?
Sean had to go on disability leave from his job last year as pastor at Kelowna Christian centre when diagnosed. We are currently living on 1/3 of our income and have many more medical expenses.
What is the goal of your business?
For Sean to beat his cancer.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Trying to maintain a normal life as sickness brings so many added pressures and alternative treatment is very time-consuming.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
We have been overwhelmed by the communities support, we would worry a lot less.
What do you always find yourself saying?
One day at a time.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
"Love people, go the extra mile, it will never return void in the long run."
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Val- Esther Houston she is a model/ married to a songwriter who is impacting the world and making a lot of waves.
Sean- Carl Lentz, he is a pastor in New York making world-changing differences in peoples lives.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Small business is your friends, your family, your neighbours, we need to support one another.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Our five kids. Each one of them is amazing individuals who are bright, outgoing, and love people.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Aligned Chiropractic, Brian and his team are genuinely loving people who want to see people come to wholeness and live their best lives.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
@alignedchiropractic
Some general comments I would like to share are:
We feel so blessed to be in this community of Kelowna. If you have shared, given, prayed, done anything, even the smallest thing we are so thankful for you and your love and support. We do not know what the future holds but know that together we can face whatever is ahead.
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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