Meet Rhonda van der Veer! Rhonda is new to Penticton and has only lived here for one year!
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
The people at Oranj. They have amazing energy.
What is your favourite local store in Penticton and why?
I love The Bench. Great art, great cookbooks and great coffee.
Describe yourself in one word.
Motivating.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Downtown Vancouver to see my son and daughter.
What is your favourite activity in Penticton?
Cycling.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I stepped off a boat and missed the dock.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
It actually just happened the other day at Oranj Express. I just finished teaching my TRX class when a previous client from Richmond dropped into to see me. He showed me pictures of his three grandchildren, gave me a big hug and told me that the doctors said I was the reason he survived his massive heart attack. They said he shouldn’t have survived it but because he was so fit he was able to welcome the birth of his grandchildren.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
My favourite memory is working outside with my Dad. He taught me the purpose of Functional Fitness. Little did I know that chopping wood would become one on my favourite integrated movements. I was blessed to be raised around animals and hard working people.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I volunteer at Critteraid. When I can’t get there physically I am thankful for our Karma Yoga Classes that are attended by donation for Critteraid and also partial sales of the water we sell at the studio goes to Critteraid.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Mean people.
Where would you sneak away to in Penticton to spend some time alone?
Middle Bench Road where the deer always rest between the apple trees.
Where would you like to see positive change in Penticton and why?
I think I would like to inspire more people to try Yoga. The benefits are amazing.
What do you think makes Penticton great?
The people are beautiful, caring and kind.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
To play guitar
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I love to bake.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
Facebook and Instagram.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Oranj Express Penticton.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I love people and exercise.
What is the goal of your business?
To share the love of exercise.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Not being able to make everyone healthy.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I wish I knew all of this in my twenties.
What do you always find yourself saying?
Happy Day.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Always step out of your comfort zone
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
I think Ellen or Oprah. I think they’d love to hear our story.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
It’s a beautiful community. The Bike Barn is a great example. Everything you need and great service.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Having full classes at Oranj and running a successful Rise and Shine sign up series.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
I love the staff at Oranj. Sarah Mayes is an amazing person.
Some general comments I would like to share are:
I think movement is a key to health. We are so lucky to be able to share a life of health and happiness. I feel blessed to be able to be a part of Oranj. It is everything I wanted it to be. Coming from the Richmond Olympic Oval those were pretty big shoes to fill....
We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by emailing [email protected]. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE.
In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition of the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great. Thank you, Penticton!
