Think Local  

TELUS STORYHIVE celebrates its 10th anniversary

OK creators with big impact

Ten years. That’s how long TELUS STORYHIVE has been supporting B.C. and Alberta creatives tell their stories.

For the past decade, STORYHIVE has been instrumental in providing production funding, training, mentorship and distribution on Optik TV for new and emerging storytellers in underrepresented communities across the two provinces, opening avenues for their work and creative journey.

Chelsea McEvoy is one of the Okanagan creatives who have been lucky enough to be selected and funded for the STORYHIVE Editions program.

“I love how they hone in on local communities,” she says. “You don’t have to be from Vancouver or Calgary to receive funding and tell your story.”

McEvoy is a resident of Kelowna and the president of the Okanagan Society of Independent Filmmakers, which held the first ever Okanagan screen awards earlier this year. The up and coming director and cinematographer credits STORYHIVE with helping kick-start her career. The grant was what allowed McEvoy to finally explore filmmaking full time.

“[STORYHIVE] has elevated my career. I learned about budgeting a big project and gained confidence, which in turn elevated my creativity.”

McEvoy’s first STORYHIVE funded project, Wheel Love, explored her and her husband’s fertility journey. McEvoy’s husband is paralyzed and the documentary opened otherwise closed doors surrounding sexuality and disability.

McEvoy has since worked on three STORYHIVE projects, including Reinventing the Wheel, which also explored issues around physical disability. The documentary looked at the journey of Dan McLean, who was left in a wheelchair after a hunting accident resulted in a bullet hitting his spine.

The film was awarded Best Feature Documentary titles at the Toronto Independent Film Awards and the Chelsea Film Festival in New York City.

STORYHIVE is where it is today because of the immense talent, drive and creativity of content creators like McEvoy in Western Canada. The program provides production funding, training, mentorship and distribution through innovative programs on TELUS Optik TV and via online platforms.

STORYHIVE's impact during the past 10 years includes distributing more than $52 million in production funding, supporting over 1,100 screen-based projects to be produced, providing 10,000-plus hours of robust training and one-on-one mentorship. STORYHIVE has also supported over 270 communities across B.C. and Alberta.

“We are incredibly proud of the work STORYHIVE has supported over the past 10 years in communities in British Columbia’s Interior,” says Audrey Kiss, STORYHIVE’s Interior B.C. territory manager.

“Celebrating and amplifying Canadian-created content that is locally reflective and relevant is at the core of TELUS STORYHIVE’s mission. It’s been very rewarding to be able to amplify the voices of the community and champion the development of inspiring content like that created by Kelowna’s Chelsea McEvoy and Penticton’s Gwen Johnson in the Okanagan.”

Johnson is a certified medicinal health coach and podcaster. Her STORYHIVE Voices project, The Missing Ingredient, is slated for release later this year on Optik TV.

Her STORYHIVE funded documentary series looks at how food can be used as medicine by specifically examining how she has used diet to treat her husband's autoimmune disorder. The piece shares recipes with Canadians across the country so they too can feel better in their bodies.

Johnson’s diet based medicine helps tackle anxiety, gut health, depression, hormonal imbalances, and more.

“STORYHIVE has been absolutely critical in helping me share my passion, medicine and ideas with the country and the world,” she said.

“Food helps us feel better in our bodies, and show up for ourselves and the people we love, every day. If I can change one life for the better, by helping them realize that something as simple as the food they consume can have such an instrumental impact on how they feel, then I’ve accomplished my mission. STORYHIVE is helping me do just that.”

Here’s to ten more years of changing lives across British Columbia and Alberta, one story at a time.

Learn about STORYHIVE’s impact at www.STORYHIVE.com/anniversary and watch the anniversary video, Dare to Dream, Dare to Create. If you're interested in discovering upcoming 2023 events, such as open houses and content creator chats, follow STORYHIVE and connect with people in the content creator community.

Plato's Closet resale store in Kelowna will serve teenagers and young adults

Plato's Closet opening soon

Bob Henderson and Ann Davis are more than familiar with the resale market in Kelowna.

They were the first owners of Kelowna’s Play It Again Sports, and then they opened Once Upon A Child nearly five years ago.

Now they are opening another resale store in Kelowna. This time it is one that caters to teenagers and young adults, who appear to be more conscientious about sustainability and economical clothing purchases than any generation before them.

The husband-and-wife team of Henderson and Davis next week will start selling gently used clothing, shoes and accessories at Plato’s Closet, which is another locally owned, small business franchise like Play It Again Sports and Once Upon A Child.

All three locally owned resale businesses are directly beside each other, making it convenient for families to buy and sell gently used apparel and accessories from infant all the way up to young adult, plus sporting gear, all in one location.

“Resale, or shopping thrift, today is really how people are shopping, even more so than 10 years ago,” Davis says. “And so the market, that teenage to young adult, that’s how they shop. My kids are the perfect kind of customers for the store. They’re 20 years old, and throughout their high school years and into their 20s they only bought gently used because it’s just the way the market’s going. And it’s so much more economical.”

Plato’s Closet has actually been open for six weeks, but it has used that time to purchase clothing, shoes and accessories from the public. It now has enough stock to make Plato’s Closet fully operational; it will continue to purchase items, but it can also start selling them, too.

Plato’s Closet will have its four-day grand opening event next week, from Thursday, June 8, to Sunday, June 11, at 1782 Baron Rd.

“Our target audience is teenage to young adult, almost up to 30 years old,” Davis says. “It’s current fashion in sizes from petite to plus. It really meets a huge market of customers, and it definitely is something that’s very unique. There’s really nothing like it in the Okanagan.

“We’ll be grand opening with a really healthy inventory of gently used items in all sizes for all genders, all inclusive.”

If anyone has gently used clothing, shoes or accessories for teens or young adults, all they have to do is visit Plato’s Closet. They can get paid cash, or they can use the value of their items towards a purchase.

“This just offers another opportunity for sustainability, repurposing and the ability for this age group to get cash for their items,” Davis says.

Plato's Closet and Castanet are teaming up on a contest to celebrate the grand opening. Simply visit the contest page here and enter to win one of three $50 gift cards.

More information about Plato’s Closet can be found on its website here.

This article is written by or on behalf of the sponsoring client and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.

The Wealthy Barber, David Chilton, comes to Penticton

David Chilton pays visit

If you thought you saw The Wealthy Barber earlier this week in Penticton, you weren’t seeing things.

David Chilton, one of Canada’s most popular personal finance experts, author of The Wealthy Barber and former Dragon on CBC’s Dragons’ Den, was in the South Okanagan city as the keynote speaker during an event at Penticton Lakeside Resort. The event was well attended, with more than 200 participants.

The Penticton office of RBC Dominion Securities, Canada’s leading full-service wealth management firm, hosted the afternoon session with Chilton, who spoke about the benefits of corporate executor services offered through RBC Royal Trust and why he believes it’s a mistake nominating a family member as an executor.

“Being named an executor is an honour, but also a major, hard-to-believe-how-stressful, incredibly-time-consuming inconvenience,” Chilton told the crowd. “Settling the simplest of estates can take up to two years and involves more than 70 tasks. You also have personal liability to ensure the estate is settled properly. Appoint the professionals—the people who do this all day, every day and who do it well. Why risk the family friction?”

Someone who has seen his fair share of family friction over the decades is Brian Hughes, who founded Hughes Jackson Wealth of RBC Dominion Securities Inc. He knows all too well what Chilton spoke about, because he has seen first-hand how difficult family executorship can be since entering the financial industry in 1987.

“I couldn’t agree more with Chilton’s remarks,” Hughes says. “Over my 35-plus years working with executorship and estate issues, often leaving the grunt work to the professionals at Royal Trust is a wise option.”

Hughes’ vast experience is a big reason why he has teamed up with his son-in-law, John Jackson, to create a multi-generational, full-service, wealth management practice offering customized investment, financial planning, estate planning and insurance solutions. Jackson’s name was added to Hughes Jackson Wealth, providing a unique value proposition for Okanagan families that is backed by RBC, Canada’s leading financial institution.

“Whether you have established deep family roots within the Okanagan or have recently arrived in the area, our practice is designed to support you and your family for generations to come as your trusted wealth management partner,” Hughes says. “Not only can we seamlessly and tax-efficiently assist in transferring and managing your family wealth between generations, but it’s also important to us that we help guide and educate younger generations coming into wealth to avoid the many pitfalls caused from mismanagement.”

Should you wish to learn more about the corporate executor services offered by RBC Royal Trust, planned future wealth management topic focused events hosted by Hughes Jackson Wealth or more about the services it provides, please contact John Jackson at 250-770-1213 or [email protected]. Further details can also be found at www.hjwealth.ca.

More of Chilton’s thoughts on executorship can be found here as well.

This article is written by or on behalf of the sponsoring client and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.

Advantages of buying an RV from a dealership

Dealing with the RV experts

Recreational vehicles are growing in popularity and with so many people entering the market, the question they face is, “Do we buy privately or from a reputable dealership?”

So, how do you do it with confidence you are not only getting the right unit for your needs but also a good quality vehicle at a fair price and avoiding the potential pitfalls of a private sale?

A reputable RV dealer like Traveland RV in West Kelowna, which is bringing back its popular Camper Daze event June 3, not only has the knowledge and expertise to help guide you, but you can also be confident you are getting value for money.

And during Camper Daze, there will not only be the opportunity to save money, but also to learn which RV or camper model best suits your needs. So head over to Traveland RV to enjoy the event and view the large variety of RVs Traveland has on its lot.

Here are some of the main reasons why it’s preferable to purchase an RV from a reputable dealer:

Finding the perfect RV for you

RV dealerships offer a diverse range of RV models, sizes, and floor plans. This extensive selection allows buyers to explore various options and find the perfect RV that suits their needs and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a bunk model travel trailer or a spacious motorhome, dealerships provide a range of choices to cater to different lifestyles and travel requirements.

Expert guidance — You can’t spend too much for the right RV, and you can't spend too little for the wrong one

Dealership staff members are knowledgeable and experienced professionals who specialize in RVs. They provide valuable guidance throughout the purchasing process, helping buyers understand the features, benefits, and drawbacks of different models. Whether you’re a first-time RV buyer or a seasoned traveler, the expertise of dealership staff can be invaluable in helping you make an informed decision. Once you have selected the perfect RV someone from the dealership will take you through an orientation of your unit demonstrating all the functions of the RV.

Quality assurance

Dealerships prioritize their reputation and customer satisfaction. As a result, they typically maintain higher standards for the RVs they sell. Before putting an RV up for sale, dealerships conduct thorough inspections and address any mechanical issues. This ensures the vehicles are in good condition and are ready for the road. Buying from a dealership assures you of quality and reliability.

Financing options

RV dealerships have established relationships with financial institutions, making it easier for buyers to secure financing. As they deal with RV-specific financing that's not available at traditional bank branches, they can offer longer amortization as they are familiar with the specific RVs. They often represent several different banks and lenders in an effort to get customers the best rates and terms without having to source financing themselves. Having access to financing options through a dealership can simplify the purchasing process, allowing you to spread out the cost over manageable monthly payments.

Warranty coverage

Many RV dealerships offer extended warranties on the vehicles they sell. These warranties provide additional coverage beyond the manufacturer’s warranty, protecting buyers from unexpected repairs and maintenance costs. Having warranty coverage can provide peace of mind, knowing you’re financially protected in case any issues arise after the purchase.

After-sales support

Dealerships provide comprehensive after-sales support to their customers. They typically have service centres with trained technicians who specialize in RV repairs and maintenance. If you encounter any issues or need servicing, you can rely on the dealership’s service department for professional assistance. This support network ensures you receive prompt and reliable help, minimizing downtime and keeping your RV in optimal condition.

Trade-in opportunities

If you already own an RV and are looking to upgrade or downsize, dealerships often provide trade-in options. They can offer you a fair price for your current RV, making the process of upgrading or transitioning to a different model much more convenient. Private sales rarely offer such trade-in opportunities, limiting your options and potentially requiring more effort on your part to sell your existing RV.

Peace of mind

Purchasing from a dealership will give you the peace of mind that you have selected the perfect RV that suits your wants and needs, that it will be free of any liens and you will be aware of damage history to your specific unit.

Dealers, like Traveland RV with its six convenient locations across Western Canada, including its Okanagan location in West Kelowna, also offer special promotions like its popular Caping Daze. After the success of the first Camping Daze event in May, the summer series has been extended with the next event scheduled to take place June 3.

Camping Daze offers you a chance to pick your savings. All June is the Pick and Save sales event at Traveland RV with up to $2,022 in instant rebates, up to $2,022 in store credit or $2,022 increased trade-in value. You choose your deal. For all RVs purchased on June 3, Traveland will make your first two payments, up to $1,000. Buyers can also defer payments for six months, on approved credit.

There will be a barbecue and bouncy castles for the kids, and Traveland RV will highlight manufacturers as well. Those in attendance can enter to win prizes, including a $1,000 parts store credit.

“It’s a fun event for the family,” says general manager Tyler Steel.

Traveland RV has the Okanagan’s largest selection, so those who attend Camping Daze will be able to step inside each unit to get a good feel for what they like.

So, if you are in the market for a new or used RV, check out what Traveland RV, at 1460 Byland Road in West Kelowna, has to offer.

This article is written by or on behalf of the sponsoring client and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.