LOCAL HERO: Penticton woman models how one person can make a difference

PENTICTON – Penticton resident Amberlee Erdmann is a model in more ways than one.

“I find it almost like a creative expression. I have been modelling for years and I really enjoy modelling and raising money for different charities so whether it’s a fashion show fundraiser or if it’s just modelling of an image to help promote an event, I really do what I can,” says Erdmann.

The 27-year-old is also a community role-model who dedicates herself to helping others.

She volunteers and helps organize various community events.

“She really is a star and everything she does, everything she touches, turns into gold and people are really lucky to have her on their team,” says Tanya Behardien, Executive Director of the Penticton and District Community Resources Society.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "She really is a star and everything she does, everything she touches, turns into gold and people are really lucky to have her on their team," says Tanya Behardien, Executive Director of the Penticton and District Community Resources Society.

Erdmann also wears many hats on a day-to-day basis. From working at the South Okanagan Victim Assistance Society (SOVAS), to organizing events for the Community Foundation or coordinating the Youth Engagement Stratetgy (YES) Project.

The activist is working to secure space and funding for the city’s first emergency shelter for youth under 18-years-old.

“Youth are living on the streets in Penticton. That is, to me, a complete crisis. To have youth living, right now, on the streets, behind buildings, on top of roofs of places,” says Erdmann.

Homelessness among youth is one of many issues Erdmann is passionate about.

“My problem is saying no to things because I wish I had so much more time and energy that I can keep giving and giving and giving because I’m so passionate about it,” says Erdmann.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "My problem is saying no to things because I wish I had so much more time and energy that I can keep giving and giving and giving because I'm so passionate about it," says Erdmann.

It’s not just about saying ‘no’, Erdmann is often the one coming up with new ideas, like partnering with the South Okanagan Women in Need Society (SOWINS).

“She’s one of the reasons why we have a youth bed at our transition house for those homeless young girls that are living on the street and are at risk of abuse,” says Debbie Scarborough, Executive Director of SOWINS.

Erdmann also helped with the launch of the Women’s Resource Centre at Okanagan College in Penticton. The former Miss Alberta Global Canada and Miss Global Canada says her passion for community involvement goes back to her childhood.

“Since I was younger, no matter what I was doing, I wanted to help out and volunteer,” she says.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "Since I was younger, no matter what I was doing, I wanted to help out and volunteer," she says.

And now, she’s helping to plant that seed in today’s youth by modelling what a difference one person can make.