Barry's Bay

Christine Hudder

Let’s welcome our neighbour, Christine Hudder.

Hi, Christine! Tell us a bit about yourself.

Howdy! My name is Christine Hudder, and I’m a wife, mom of three young boys, and Communications and Fundraising Officer for St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation. I was born and raised in Barry’s Bay and attended Canadore College in North Bay for Journalism.

My first full-time job was in Fort St. John as a journalist, reporting on the stories that mattered most in Northern British Columbia. My journey there was brief but special — I stayed there for a year before moving back home to work at an up-and-coming newspaper in my hometown. I remained there for 10 years as managing editor before transitioning to a communications/fundraising role at the SFVH Foundation. I remain in that role today and help raise funds for equipment and services at St. Francis Memorial Hospital, Madawaska Valley Hospice Palliative Care, and Valley Manor in Barry’s Bay.

In my spare time, I love travelling, reading, photography, and of course, writing — although it’s hard to do as much as I’d like with a young family! 

Have you ever named your car? If so, what names have you used?

No, but I have named my side-by-side Elvira. No reason, she just seems like an Elvira. 

What sound do you hate?

Teeth grinding. My kids do this every so often when they sleep, and I can feel it in my own teeth. Ouch!  

If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

Honestly? I want to go everywhere. I want to set foot on every continent, take photos, and have once-in-a-lifetime adventures. But if I had to choose just one right now, it would be the Galápagos Islands. 

What strange food combination do you most enjoy?

Not sure if this counts, but pickle pizza. We had an amazing pickle pizza in Buffalo, NY, years back, and I’ve been craving it ever since. I like to make my own pizza, and I did try the pickle combo, but it hasn’t been as good as the one in Buffalo.

What fictional TV or movie character would you most enjoy hanging out with for a day?

Aquaman. Because… Jason Mamoa. 😊 And you’d get to explore the ocean!

What was the worst style choice you ever made?

Absolutely anything I wore in high school. 

If you could be any animal, which one would you be? Why?

I’d be a dolphin. I’d have the freedom to explore the ocean and live in warm waters. 

If you could be on any reality TV show, which one would you choose? Why?

I’d like to be on Survivorman —learning how to survive in the wilderness. My husband and I always watched his shows and thought it would be so cool to do something like that. But I know I’d have a hard time — I like the comforts of home, and I hate bugs — especially blackflies and mosquitoes! 

You’ve just won the lottery. What will you do with your windfall?

Where do I start?! I’d help my community as much as possible — giving to the organizations and people who make a difference every day — and ensure that my kids’ futures are secured. I’d buy a farm locally with tons of acreage and try to live off the land as much as possible. And take a trip or two, of course!  

If you could use a time machine to travel to any time, past or future, what era would you visit? Why?

I’d want to see how Stonehenge or the pyramids in Egypt were built; how these giant rocks were moved and intricately placed. I think it would be fascinating! 

Thanks for sharing with us, neighbour Christine.

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Next week, we will welcome Fran Watson.