Introducing Our april Member Spotlight: Meet OZ (AKA MARTIN)!
Meet Oz, our April Member of the Month! If you’ve ever met Oz, you know that every day is a great day in his book. A true friend to everyone he meets, Oz brings laughter and a little bit of mischief wherever he goes. He lights up when talking about his family, and he has quite the story to share—though some of it isn’t printable here!
His deep-rooted connections, kindness, and unwavering positivity make him a ray of sunshine at Lemonade Collective. Whether he’s sharing a story, cracking a joke, or just making sure everyone feels welcome, Oz reminds us all to appreciate the good in each day.
Here’s to Oz—our Member of the Month and one of the best people to have in your corner!
We asked Oz to share with our Members a brief overview of his background and some of the key moments that have shaped who he is.
Oz grew up in Keswick on Lake Simcoe in a haunted house with a ghost named Gertrude, where he spent a lot of time swimming and playing hockey. His family moved to Toronto when he was 16 where he worked in construction. They had a cottage in Meaford so he eventually moved here, and worked as a bartender at Talisman Ski Hill. This is how he got to know a lot of people in the area. He recalls that sailors would come into the bar, which led him to learn how to sail and take part in the Georgian Bay Regatta.
Over 10 years ago, he had a heart attack and was sent for a bypass surgery. Always looking on the bright side, Oz shares that had great roommates who would joke around and laugh all day. A couple of years later, he experienced multiple strokes, and praises his nephews for saving his life. He spent a couple of months in the Owen Sound hospital recovering, and is grateful that he lived to tell the tale.
Returning home without a license, he began taking the Meaford accessible bus to get around. The bus driver suggested that Oz should learn how to drive a bus! Inspired, Oz worked hard to get his license back, and has been driving the bus ever since. Going above and beyond for anyone who rides his bus, he hands out flowers regularly.
A proud uncle, Oz lights up when he talks about his family. Watching his great nephew's hockey games, he remembers the days when he played and it fills him with joy.
