Tell Us Your Story. What motivated you to start your business? Why are you passionate about what you do?

I have always been passionate about First Aid. I was a Lifeguard for many years before transitioning to my 14 years in health care. Over the years, I have identified holes that exist in Northern Living, for example - my drive for advocacy to break the Stigma surrounding Narcan use and kit distribution in the region. We teach Toward the Heart classes weekly still. Mental Health - I teach Psychological First Aid and am working on becoming a Critical Incident Stress Instructor to being more resources to the North. I feel that I have curated the perfect platform to provide accurate education and awareness to the North. I previously had worked for others teaching first aid, but when the pandemic hit, I decided to go for it and created a brick and motor safe space for education. I could have never imagined it would have grown to what it is today.

Describe and demonstrate, including metrics, your community support. How do you support and uplift your community, and how do they show that support in return? Minimum 25 words, maximum 2500 characters.

I love my community but I truly love my seniors. I created an additional Facebook page for education, stigma, awareness and community support. I started “Santa to a Senior” program with a group of EMS workers 6 years ago. I fundraise, collect, donate and coordinate this program to deliver Christmas gifts to every Senior & Elder from Prophet River First Nation, Fort Nelson First Nation and Fort Nelson. Last year was our 5th year - we hand delivered almost 250 gifts in 2 days with a Santa and a Fire truck from NRFR. I also started a Recycled Rheads program where we have two free libraries in Fort Nelson to have sustainable and accessible reads for all ages in town. My local chamber of commerce awarded me in 2022 with “Educator of the Year” and “Citizen of the Year” and in 2023, I was nominated for “Public Service Award” I have received so many kind texts, emails, Letters, shout out, letters from MLA Dan Davies and more.

Why do you deserve to win the Business Impact award?

Although we have already made an Impact in our community, I feel like I’m just getting started. My passion and drive for education, advocacy are unparalleled.

Tell Us About Your Culture. How are you creating a sustainable and healthy workplace where everyone feels welcome? Provide examples of leadership you show in interactions with clients, vendors, contractors, staff and others.

I have a sign on our window of the office that says “hate has no home here”. I continually Promote and love a Safe Space lifestyle in my home and office where everyone is welcome. I’m the person in Fort Nelson that you reach out to for lice medication at 9 pm because you know I’ll find it for you. (That happened last night) Residents of FN frequently stop by or message me when they need anything. I have stock piles of hygiene items, mental health resources, sex resources and so much more.