What do a former police officer, an ultra-marathoner, an overseas volunteer and an official ice swimmer have in common? They are all featured in the upcoming The Ripple Effect exhibit at the Okanagan Heritage Museum.
“The Ripple Effect is a feel good show about ordinary people being extraordinary,” says guest curator, Hanna Karin. “We want to inspire people of all ages to get involved, to be their best, and create their own ripple effect.”
Through photographs, stories, videos and unique 3D installments, visitors will learn about the featured “ripplers” and their passions, as well as advice on following in their footsteps. Avoiding hypothermia, how to become an international volunteer / successful fundraiser and what it is like to be a male diagnosed with breast cancer are some of the topics presented in the exhibit.
“We have Crystal cycling up a pile of books, George is floating in a hot air balloon and Paul is in a fridge,” says Curatorial Manager, Patti Kilback. “As for Peter, we are really excited about incorporating him into elements from the popular Out of the Shadow, Into the Light breast cancer exhibit.”
Two of the stars of the show are from Kelowna, one is from Winnipeg and one from Ottawa. According to Kilback, the exhibit is designed to travel across the country, and so staff purposely chose people within and outside of the Okanagan.
Peter Platt is a former police officer from Ottawa. After being diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and breast cancer, Peter found part of his healing process was by helping others. He became an important advocate for both causes.
Paul Duffield’s perseverance and success in the risky world of ice swimming pushes the limits of human endurance. The West Kelowna athlete is Canada’s first recognized International Ice Swimmer.
Kelowna’s Crystal Flaman is a record-setting athlete and fundraiser. She has personally raised more than $1.4 million for charity organizations such as Room to Read through running, cycling and swimming competitions.
George Harris, from Winnipeg, Manitoba, is a lifer in the world of volunteering. For over 46 years George has done professional volunteer placements in Africa (23 years) and in Winnipeg. At 70, he is still going strong with his community commitments.
This is Hanna’s second exhibit with Kelowna Museums. Her first was the highly successful 2009 rock climbing exhibit, On Solid Ground.
The Ripple Effect runs from April 10 to September 27 at the Okanagan Heritage Museum, 470 Queensway Ave. in Kelowna. Admission is by donation.
Hours: Monday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (closed on Sunday).
