One of us danced for thirteen years. The other has never danced a step. Together we're raising $35,000 for the people who sit with families on the hardest days of their lives.
A short introduction to who we are, and what this event means to us.
Last year my great-grandmother fell and broke her neck, and became a quadriplegic. She had to be put into palliative care immediately, and that is where she spent the end of her life.
It was hard on our family as a whole. She was walking ten kilometres or more each day, hiking with her great-grandchildren, and always said: “there is no bad weather to get out for a walk, only bad clothes.”
COHA is so much more than hospice care. Knowing that there are groups like COHA out there to support families through hard times — that is my why.
I am a health and fitness professional. I am a pro athlete in bodybuilding, and I coach women to feel stronger and more confident.
When I think about COHA, I think about so much more than hospice. It is an organization that thrives on community, building safe spaces, and providing guidance to those in need. That aligns very closely with how I manage my business and my fitness. I am not just a coach — I am building spaces for people to lean on each other, to feel less lonely, to find friendship and connection through a journey that can sometimes be uncomfortable.
At the end of the day, that is truly what everyone wants. To feel love, to feel connection, and to feel community. Without organizations like COHA, it leaves so many individuals to cope alone. That is my why.
“There is no bad weather to get out for a walk, only bad clothes.”Matthew’s great-grandmother
The Central Okanagan Hospice Association has supported individuals and families for 42 years, providing compassionate care to those facing life-limiting illness, grief and bereavement — comfort and dignity in life’s most vulnerable moments.
Matthew is the founder of Inland Luxury Sauna, a Kelowna-based company offering premium custom saunas across North America. Before entrepreneurship, he spent years as a PGA of Canada golf professional, and he’s also an ultra-endurance athlete, which means he’s no stranger to long hours of practice and pushing through discomfort. Whether that translates to the dance floor remains to be seen.
Born in Calgary and now proudly calling the Okanagan home, Matthew is thrilled to step well outside his comfort zone in support of the Central Okanagan Hospice Association. He’ll be sharing the experience with his partner Jordan, and while he can’t promise perfect footwork, he can promise full commitment, a competitive streak, and at least one move that took far too many rehearsals to learn.
Jordan is the owner of FRESHUE Operations Management, a boutique agency serving clients in real estate, tech, wellness and luxury lifestyle. She is also a WNBF Bikini Pro athlete and a Fitness Coach through Bold Fitness, blending business strategy with discipline and aesthetics, on stage and off.
She danced for thirteen years and performed in musicals before walking on stage as a bodybuilding competitor — and winning first place. “I am competitive to my core, but I also love to be on stage and to perform. It is where I feel at home.”
Every dollar raised by Team Fresh Steps goes to the Central Okanagan Hospice Association. We’ll learn the choreography. We’d be grateful if you helped us get to the number.
Donate to Team Fresh StepsDonations are processed directly by the Central Okanagan Hospice Association, a registered Canadian charity. Your tax receipt comes from COHA.