What is your name?
Wendy Wright
What is your position with the Y?
Fund Development Officer
What Y centre/program do you work with (regularly, outside of COVID-19)?
I am a passionate fundraiser for the entire YMCA of Okanagan and I work out of KFY in Association Services. I love to make frequent visits to H2O, DTY, Pandosy Y and our Child Care centers, as well as going for walks n’ talks with members, staff and donors.
What do you always find yourself saying?
Groovy cats!
You need to calm down (said internally to myself)
Bonsai – like saying bullseye but better
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
My mom, unfortunately she broke her hip on April 19 and we haven’t been able to see her (except for one window wave) or hug her since March. And my best friend Tracy who lives in Hong Kong, of all places.
Please share one fond memory you have of the Y.
Swimming at KFY when I was pregnant with my now almost 13 year old daughter Ella was the ONLY thing that saved me from epic killer heartburn! And all the fantastic YMCA swim lessons both my kids enjoyed for many years at Pebble Beach in Okanagan Centre.
What are you doing to stay connected while at home?
I am trying to have as many phone calls, video calls and good conversations with friends, family, Y members and Y team members as humanly possible. We have had a couple of “stable affection & properly spaced out” driveway visits with our closest friends. I have been going into KFY once a week to process donations and have had the good fortune to see a few wonderful Y colleagues there.
Where is your favourite place to “dine” (order takeout) in the Okanagan right now?
Chantana’s Thai in Winfield. We are also very lucky to have our kids as Iron Chefs in the house!
What is your favourite activity while social distancing in the Okanagan?
Yoga, hiking, and playing badminton, croquet, or any games with my kids.
Who inspires you?
My children Ella and Oren inspire me every day.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
- Hiking the West Coast Trail
- Going on a family “olive/pizza/gelato eating tour” in Italy, Greece, Spain…
- Meeting my best friend somewhere we haven't yet traveled together.
Tell us about a defining moment in your life.
Backpacking in my mid 20’s to Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia provided me with a myriad of unforgettable global experiences and a grateful mindset.
What are you passionate about?
Living life with purpose and making a difference.
What do you miss the most about your Y?
Seeing all the HFA centers thriving, full of happy Y members and staff. I miss our Wednesday Boot Camp too!
If you could achieve one thing within your field, what would it be?
I would like to take a few courses in social work and psychology; I love to connect with people and I find learning about different personalities very fascinating.
What 3 qualities do you feel your Y exemplifies?
Caring
Responsibility
Inclusiveness
How does your team/facility/program make a difference every day (now or pre-COVID)?
I am amazed by how much Financial Assistance our Y provides to over 5400 children, adults and seniors in need to access our programs; we really give incredible health and wellness benefit to so many people in our community.
Can you share some words of encouragement?
Remember to honour your mind, body and spirit every day, in the easiest way you can.
What would you like to say to your fellow staff/volunteer team?
I can’t wait to see everyone soon and get back into Roxanne and Kiarra’s Bootcamp!
How has your role changed during COVID?
I have assumed the administrative responsibilities for Fund Development and I am doing lots of “neurobics” by diving into the data-base every day!
What does community mean to you?
Helping
What is your favorite part of your job?
Making new connections and lasting relationships with members, donors, colleagues and anyone in the Y family.
What Y team member would you like to give a shout-out to and why?
Rhonda Zakala, our VP of Fund Development and Marketing, puts her heart and soul into everything she touches with the YMCA of Okanagan and she has assembled an understanding and generous family of Y donors over her 13 years.