Shauna Nyrose, VP communications, the KGH Foundation
Oxfordās word of the year is āRizz.ā Never heard of it? Me neither. I guess Iām just getting old.
Iāve always loved the Word of the Year. In the past, it has carried with it a kind of a cultural snapshot of the essence the year that was, often reflecting the social, political or economic trends that have significantly influenced the public conversation. Since Iām quite dissatisfied with Oxfordās choice, and since I fancy myself a fairly observant and engaged individual, Iāve come up with what I think it is much better word of the year, especially as it relates to our community.
Resilience.
Iāll give it back to Oxford to define: āthe capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; itās essentially a measure of toughness. Resilience highlights adaptability, strength, and the capacity to bounce back from challenges.ā
As flames threatened homes and safety, the Central Okanagan Foundation established the 2023 Wildfire Response Fund, providing crucial support to those impacted. Local charities from across the Okanagan Valley played a pivotal role in offering aid and comfort to those impacted. This collective effort showcased our ability to not only withstand but also to support each other in times of dire need.
In the realm of healthcare, in spite of the many complex challenges we face, I have had the privilege of witnessing the continued resolve and resiliency of a community that refuses to give up.
The historic $5 million donation by the Jim Pattison Foundation for establishing the Centre for Health Systems Learning & Innovation at Ā鶹¾«Ń” General Hospital signified a transformative step in healthcare innovation. This Centre, focusing on rural, remote, Indigenous, and community health care, will have a huge impact in directly inform the future of health care in our region.
Despite suffering his own unthinkable tragedies, Tom Budd made a significant commitment to advancing Brain Health at KGH, reflecting our communityās deeply held desire to address complex health care issues, such as the rising incidences of Parkinsonās, dementia and mental health challenges.
Community-driven events like the āDay of Givingā and the Homebase Tournament further underscored this communityās persistence in working together to support the gaps in health care. This yearās Day of Giving raised $794,000 to fund a state of the art 3T MRI for KGH, to dramatically reduce wait lists and increase capacity for life-saving scans. The Gorges Comeau Homebase All Star Game brought smiles and support for a cause close to many of our hearts. Together, we raise over $175,000 in support of advancing mental health care where it matters most ā right here in our home community.
As we close this reflection on resilience, itās amusing to juxtapose it with Oxfordās ārizzā - a word embodying style and charm from internet culture. Perhaps is indeed a generational thing, but while ārizzā might capture the zeitgeist for some, here in the Central Okanagan, our experiences in 2023 have been shaped by something more enduring. Itās not just about charisma; itās about the collective strength and tenacity of a community that faces challenges together. So, for us, itās about āRizzāilience - a blend of resilience with a dash of charm and style. This hybrid term might not be officially recognized, but it captures the essence of our communityās journey this year. Weāve shown that resilience can indeed have its own unique flair, making us not just strong, but also vibrant and dynamic.
Hereās to a āRizzāilient 2024!
