Shauna Nyrose, VP communications, the KGH Foundation
Oxford91裸聊视频檚 word of the year is 91裸聊视频楻izz.91裸聊视频� Never heard of it? Me neither. I guess I91裸聊视频檓 just getting old.
I91裸聊视频檝e always loved the Word of the Year. In the past, it has carried with it a kind of a cultural snapshot of the essence the year that was, often reflecting the social, political or economic trends that have significantly influenced the public conversation. Since I91裸聊视频檓 quite dissatisfied with Oxford91裸聊视频檚 choice, and since I fancy myself a fairly observant and engaged individual, I91裸聊视频檝e come up with what I think it is much better word of the year, especially as it relates to our community.
Resilience.
I91裸聊视频檒l give it back to Oxford to define: 91裸聊视频渢he capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; it91裸聊视频檚 essentially a measure of toughness. Resilience highlights adaptability, strength, and the capacity to bounce back from challenges.91裸聊视频�
As flames threatened homes and safety, the Central Okanagan Foundation established the 2023 Wildfire Response Fund, providing crucial support to those impacted. Local charities from across the Okanagan Valley played a pivotal role in offering aid and comfort to those impacted. This collective effort showcased our ability to not only withstand but also to support each other in times of dire need.
In the realm of healthcare, in spite of the many complex challenges we face, I have had the privilege of witnessing the continued resolve and resiliency of a community that refuses to give up.
The historic $5 million donation by the Jim Pattison Foundation for establishing the Centre for Health Systems Learning & Innovation at Kelowna General Hospital signified a transformative step in healthcare innovation. This Centre, focusing on rural, remote, Indigenous, and community health care, will have a huge impact in directly inform the future of health care in our region.
Despite suffering his own unthinkable tragedies, Tom Budd made a significant commitment to advancing Brain Health at KGH, reflecting our community91裸聊视频檚 deeply held desire to address complex health care issues, such as the rising incidences of Parkinson91裸聊视频檚, dementia and mental health challenges.
Community-driven events like the 91裸聊视频楧ay of Giving91裸聊视频� and the Homebase Tournament further underscored this community91裸聊视频檚 persistence in working together to support the gaps in health care. This year91裸聊视频檚 Day of Giving raised $794,000 to fund a state of the art 3T MRI for KGH, to dramatically reduce wait lists and increase capacity for life-saving scans. The Gorges Comeau Homebase All Star Game brought smiles and support for a cause close to many of our hearts. Together, we raise over $175,000 in support of advancing mental health care where it matters most 91裸聊视频� right here in our home community.
As we close this reflection on resilience, it91裸聊视频檚 amusing to juxtapose it with Oxford91裸聊视频檚 91裸聊视频渞izz91裸聊视频� - a word embodying style and charm from internet culture. Perhaps is indeed a generational thing, but while 91裸聊视频榬izz91裸聊视频� might capture the zeitgeist for some, here in the Central Okanagan, our experiences in 2023 have been shaped by something more enduring. It91裸聊视频檚 not just about charisma; it91裸聊视频檚 about the collective strength and tenacity of a community that faces challenges together. So, for us, it91裸聊视频檚 about 91裸聊视频楻izz91裸聊视频檌lience - a blend of resilience with a dash of charm and style. This hybrid term might not be officially recognized, but it captures the essence of our community91裸聊视频檚 journey this year. We91裸聊视频檝e shown that resilience can indeed have its own unique flair, making us not just strong, but also vibrant and dynamic.
Here91裸聊视频檚 to a 91裸聊视频楻izz91裸聊视频檌lient 2024!
