The Good News(letter) | Remarkable Stories
Through all the changes and uncertainty, we have been continuously inspired by the resiliency and innovative spirit of the people behind the headlines, numbers, and figures. The Good News(letter) features a remarkable story from our region, plus a snapshot of regional and global good news. Brought to you twice a month.
This Good News segment is brought to you by Lucie Eger, TOTA's Industry Communications Specialist, from a small German town no one has ever heard of.
Feature Story:
Okanagan Lavender & Herb Farm
Okanagan Lavender & Herb Farm is a small, family business with community and sustainability at the heart of everything they do. Opening the farm to visitors was not a reality this year - but operations have continued through the online store. Along with farm grown-and-produced products, you can find a series of workshops and recipes on their website. Things have been very different, but Andrea McFadden, her family and staff have found ways to keep their spirits high and business running - while giving back to the community.
Since visitors wouldn't be coming by for guided farm tours and leaving with a package of herbs or seeds this year, they decided to set up a mailbox on the farm's fence instead so locals could help themselves to free seeds for their gardens. As a gift of appreciation, the farm has also donated over 150 custom hand balms and 100 dry skin toners to frontline workers in the Okanagan.
Holiday shopping season is around the corner (or already here, if you're good at planning ahead), and small businesses value your support - now and always. Shopping local is good for the planet, good for the soul, and creates a positive ripple effect throughout your community.
Despite a drop in out-of-province visitors Miska Haven Bed & Breakfast says a rise in ‘staycations’ has helped make up the difference - and they're happy to offer more locals an escape into nature this year!
Speaking of staycations - Summerland Resort is offering a new "Date Night" package for a Friday eve mini getaway, complete with a bottle of local wine and optional dinner from Brodo Kitchen waiting in your fridge.
On top of raising $1,975 in support of Cystic Fibrosis Canada, UBC-O JDC West's Chillin’ for Charity campaign donated ice cream treats to seniors at a Kelowna retirement home this year & supported an elementary school's breakfast program. :)
Finnair introduced an initiative called "Taste of Finnair", selling their typically in-flight business class meals in grocery stores for an "everyday luxury" experience and to create opportunities for previously laid off staff!
A Brazilian chef is harnessing food waste to empower communities with cooking courses using food scraps and education on home-growing produce. (Fun fact: did you know banana peels are packed with nutrients and can be incorporated into savory and sweet recipes?)
