Not only is Mary Statham a columnist on our website, but she is a constant inspiration and reminder to live life to the fullest for us all. Mary has a passion for life and a sense of courage which is to be admired. Having suffered a stroke, Mary pushed past her obstacles and is now an active member of CRIS (Community Recreational Initiatives Society). We're so proud to be surrounded by people like Mary within our community.
We asked Mary the following questions:
What is your name?
Mary Statham
Where do you work?
At home or in my head
Where can people find you or your business online?
http://silkysuite@hotmail.com
What do you always find yourself saying?
More than two
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
His Holiness the Dalai Lama
If you were to receive any existing public award, what award would you like to win?
Canada Lifetime Achievement Award
If you could spend a day with any historical figure, who would you choose?
Mark Twain
Who inspires you?
Everyone! People amaze me on a regular basis. Troy Becker, who started CRIS keeps me inspiring myself, too.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
I want to write two more novels to go with my first.
I really, really want to go sky-diving at least once.
I want to do a serious back-country trip with CRIS
If you had an enormous yacht, what would you name it?
White Cane Joy
If you could foresee a single day of your future in its entirety, what date would you select?
Next Tuesday, so I'd be sure my column is on time.
What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about life as an adventure. I am passionate about connecting people, not only with others but with themselves. I am passionate about the power of language to heal and empower, and I am especially passionate about the sheer joy CRIS brings to all its participants. Music and words are threads that have run through my entire life, so I don't know if I'm passionate about them or they're passionate about me. Either way, it works.
What has been your favourite day of your life, up to this point?
They're all my favourites. There is no day that does not have the potential to be absolutely perfect. I forget so many days that I have to value each one as it comes for the moments and possibilities it presents.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Six weeks after my stroke I was due for the assessment that would decide whether I could go home or not. I hadn't walked on my own yet, but that day I did. I haven't stopped taking steps since. I've done many things with CRIS that make me proud, but cross-country skiing tops the list, because I was afraid and tried it anyway.
If you were trapped in an elevator with several wealthy investors from any field, which field would you want them to be experts in? What would say to them/talk about?
I'd want them to be experts in connecting non-profit organizations to community and government funding. I'd say 'This organization deserves and needs the support of a greater system if it's going to provide for growing needs. How do we do that?'
Where is your favourite place to dine in Kelowna?
The Fixx
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Walking in the Kasugai Garden
If I could change 1 thing about Kelowna, it would be:
I would connect people and organizations more. It seems like sometimes we are all just missing each other by centimeters. There are so many organizations that would benefit from working in concert, and I think less people would fall between them and not get the help they need.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
Kelowna is both a city and a small town. I think Kelowna embodies the best of both while trying to maintain a balance between them.
My choice for the Kelowna In Focus spotlight is:
Troy Becker founder of CRIS
Some general comments I would like to share are:
It is my great joy and privilege to share my experiences with CRIS each week. I love to write, and CRIS invariably provides me with ample subject matter. Thank you, at Welcome to Kelowna, for connecting people and organizations as you do, and thank you for supporting my work and that of CRIS Adaptive Adventures.
In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition for the people, businesses and organizations that help make our city great. The team at WelcometoKelowna.com is passionate about this community and the people that make it amazing. We want to show our friends, neighbours, family and colleagues that we notice them and the fabulous things that they do. We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below, and submit your own nomination using the links to the forms located on the left navigation, near the top of the page. Thank you, Kelowna!
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