Creative Insights

Once referred to as the “Rick Hansen of Schizophrenia ”, Larry Vandergrift, Executive Director of the Okanagan Mental Health Services Society has made it his mission to provide individuals facing mental health barriers in the Okanagan with opportunities to find a purpose. A pillar in the community, the Okanagan Mental Health Services Society functions as a non-profit social enterprise, offering programs such as Yard by Yard and Room By Room funded by the Interior Health Autho

“There are benefits to having an open heart. ” Spoken by a local Okanagan employer who proves you don’t need to choose between diversity and profit. Peter, the owner of Peter’s Your Independent Grocer in Kelowna, bought his franchise in 2015 after being a corporate manager for 26 years. When asked why he chose to invest in his own franchise, Peter states that he saw “an opportunity to make a real difference in the community.” Since buying his franchise, Peter has made it his