#MeetWilden – Kathleen Lemieux

It’s time to #MeetWilden. Meet Wilden Resident Kathleen Lemieux!

1. What is your name?

Kathleen Lemieux

2. What Wilden neighbourhood do you live in?

Terrace Hill

3. What do you do for work and where can we find you online?

I am the Resource Development Coordinator for the Kelowna Women’s Shelter. This position involves raising awareness of the issue of family violence and of the shelter and its services. I also create partnerships with businesses, groups and individuals in the community to connect people to the shelter’s mission and I manage the shelter’s volunteer program.

You can find me online on Facebook, Twitter @KathleenLemieux or @KelownaShelter and Instagram.

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.kelownawomensshelter.ca

4. What do you do for play?

My work life is integrated with my social life so I attend a number of fundraising events for the shelter and other causes I believe in. I have started to play the ukulele for fun and I like to travel. Rene and I entertain our friends and love hosting dinner parties as Rene is a wonderful talented chef who was trained in Lucerne, Switzerland. I also love boating in the summer and spending time at Big White in the winter.

5. What is your secret superpower?

Empathy.

6. What are some of your favourite things about living in Wilden?

I hike in Wilden with my partner, Rene Haudenschild, and my German Shepherd dog, Angus. The trails are right outside our door so we never have to drive anywhere to get to nature. I also love how Wilden is so close to downtown but feels like we are out in the wilderness when we are enjoying the trails and the view of the lake from the higher elevations. You can even snowshoe in Wilden during the snowy weather. The trails, ponds and scenery are spectacular.

7. What is Kelowna’s best kept secret?

The Kelowna Women’s Shelter Thrift Store. Many stores generously donate brand new clothing and household items on a regular basis and these are sold at a fraction of the cost you would pay to purchase these items new. I find lots of great values there. You can look fantastic and thrift shopping is gentle on the environment. Clothes and items can have a second chance at life in your closet, on your wall, or in your kitchen.

8. What is your favourite locally made product?

Okanagan Grocery artisan bread.

9. If you could give $1M to charity, which one would you choose?

I can’t pick just one! Of course I would give to the Kelowna Women’s Shelter but I would like to help some other organizations too that are doing great work. Seniors Outreach, Kelowna Family Centre, HOPE Outreach, Inn From the Cold, and Her International.

10. What is the one thing people would be surprised to know about you?

I am currently creating a sculpture.