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 KamloopsBCNow.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.
What is your name?
Glyn Evans-Percy
What do you always find yourself saying?
Thank you Kamloops!
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select and why?
Justin Trudeau, as the leader of Canada I’d like to get in his ear about the housing crisis continuing to develop not only in Toronto and Vancouver, but the smaller cities in Canada as well and what can be done to start ramping up affordable living to hardworking families in our wonderful country. Alleviating the seemingly never ending cycle of poverty, allowing these families give back to society as opposed to leaning on social services.
If you were to receive any existing public award, what award would you like to win?
Largest Homebuilder in Canada
If you could spend a day with any historical figure, who would you choose and why?
Bernie Sanders, as the potential Democratic nominee for the United States he has been able to speak freely about issues of corporate greed and governmental manipulation which not only effects US citizens, but everyone around the world. He’d also simply be a fun fella to hang out with for an entire day; we’d probably start the day out riding a tandem bicycle.
Who inspires you?
All of the amazing Habitat for Humanity affiliates across the world. They are all doing such great and innovative work, problem solving specific local issues concerning housing and the community’s specific needs.
What are three things on your bucket list?
Travel India, travel South America, travel Africa while building homes in the communities, making a positive impact and getting to know each individual culture.
If you had an enormous yacht, what would you name it?
For Sail? For Sale.
If you could foresee a single day of your future in its entirety, what date would you select?
I don’t think I’d like to see any particular day, why spoil the surprise.
What are you passionate about?
Providing affordable living to those in need and building strong communities where poverty is not an issue.
What has been your favourite day of your life, up to this point?
My favourite day would have to be being taken on by Habitat for Humanity Kamloops of course!
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Providing eight homes to eight wonderful families here in Kamloops and soon to be 10 this coming fall (fingers crossed we can fundraiser enough dollars).
Where is your favourite place to dine in Kamloops? What do you like about it?
So many places to choose from, Kamloops has a wonderful selection of great local restaurants. I’d have to say “Hello Toast” would be up there because of the great food, wonderful service with a smile and comfortable atmosphere. The Eggs Benedict is unreal, and you can get an extra egg and hollandaise sauce for free!
What is your favourite activity or event in Kamloops? Why?
I love getting out to all the different lakes, rivers, and breathtaking scenery in and around Kamloops. We certainly have it lucky with these long hot summers!
What is the name of your business/organization?
Habitat for Humanity / ReStore Kamloops
What does your business/organization do?
Habitat for Humanity provides low income families with affordable living and home ownership, while the ReStore provides merchandise and home building equipment at drastically reduced costs which helps fund Habitat for Humanity allowing 100 per cent of all donations to go directly towards building projects here in Kamloops. Do you remember what it was like growing up? Having a warm, welcoming home that always felt safe? A backyard to play in? Food in the fridge? At the time, you likely didn’t think about those things. No one could blame you for taking them for granted. Carefree; that’s how growing up should be. But life is not carefree for children of the 1.5 million Canadian families in need of safe, decent and affordable shelter. Many Canadian families live month to month, making it nearly impossible to get ahead. They’re forced to decide between heat and rent – a choice no family should ever have to make. One in seven Canadian children live in poverty; one of the fastest growing segments of our population. Habitat for Humanity Kamloops is committed to helping low-income families caught in the vicious cycle of poverty. Every Canadian family deserves a safe, decent and affordable place to call home. Habitat for Humanity Kamloops’ goal is to make that dream a reality.
Where can people find you or your business online?
habitatkamloops.com
Where can people find your business on Facebook?
Habitat Kamloops
What is your Twitter account?
@KamloopsReStore
What is your Instagram account?
@Habitat4Humanity_Loops
How do people connect with you on LinkedIn?
Glyn Evans-Percy
What is your mission?
To mobilize volunteers and community partners in building affordable housing and promoting homeownership as a means to breaking the cycle of poverty.
If you could achieve one thing within your field, what would it be?
Begin an Annual Kamloops Marketing Awards Gala, highlighting exceptional local work and valuable local campaigns, and then win all the awards.
Where do you want your business/organization to be in five years?
Building as many homes as possible for families in need locally in Kamloops.
Who do you consider to be a forerunner within your field?
Ann Handley, content marketing guru.
What three qualities do you feel that your business/organization exemplifies?
Kindness, giving, and community growth.
What would you like to say to your employees/volunteers?
Habitat for Humanity, the ReStore and homeowners could never thank all of the donors, local businesses and volunteers enough for their time and effort put into helping make Kamloops great. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
How does your business/organization impact the community?
By building affordable housing for families in need we are providing stable living environments to hardworking parents and their children. For every dollar donated to Habitat Kamloops a $4 return comes back into the community. This is accomplished through a reduction in the usage of social welfare supports like the food bank, along with increased investment back to the community via increased volunteering activities and taxes being paid by the new homeowners.
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?
Real-estate, where to buy, when to buy, building laws locally on “tiny homes” and what ideas they might have to alleviate the increasing burden on the growing number of low income families and how they can get ahead of their finances to purchase a home.
If I could change one thing about Kamloops, it would be:
The three months of winter to zero months of winter.
What do you think makes Kamloops great?
The people of Kamloops are very passionate, incredibly giving and supportive with their time and donations. Every single day I am blow away by how caring and generous the people in our community are. It’s truly heartwarming and very rewarding each and every day being a part of Habitat for Humanity and the ReStore.
My choice for the Kamloops In Focus spotlight is:
Tara Holmes / Tim Petruk both of Kamloops This Week
Some general comments I would like to share are:
The ReStore / Habitat for Humanity are always in need of donations from couches, chairs, tables, housewares, to building supplies, and cash donations. A total of 100 per cent of all donations go directly to building homes in Kamloops. Give us a shout at 250-314-6783 to arrange a FREE pickup of your donation!
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. Thank you, Kamloops!
