In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition for the people, businesses and organizations that help make our city great. The team at KelownaNow.com is passionate about this community and the people that make it amazing. We want to show our friends, neighbours, family and colleagues that we notice them and the fabulous things that they do.
What is your name?
Christopher James Russell.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I was born and raised in Terrace, BC but before moving to Kelowna in March of 2017 I had spent most of my time living in Victoria, Calgary and Vancouver.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
As cheesy as this sounds, my partner Katrina. We have been pretty much inseparable since we met and we love to nerd out about health and wellness.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
I would love to visit the Azores in Portugal, aside from the islands looking absolutely beautiful, my mother was born there in Sao Miguel before she immigrated to Canada at the age of six.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
I love grabbing a quick wrap or burrito at Freshii. They have healthy food options if you are on the go. I live in Lake Country so it is a quick stop over on the way to work.
What is your favourite activity?
I have many hobbies and interests but since my son Leo was born, hanging out with him is hands down my favourite thing to do.
If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
I would revolt, I never advocate restrictive dieting!
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I think the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to me has to be back in grade one. I was excused from class to use the washroom but just before making it to the toilet I peed my pants. I just ran home without saying anything!
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
The most inspiring thing that has and continues to happen is the dedication my mother has to our family. I was raised largely by her growing up and I have so much admiration for all her hard work and sacrifice she made raising my brother and I. Thanks, Ma.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
My favourite childhood memories always involve camping! When I was little my extended family would book sites in the same campground as us and we would spend the summer days running around with our cousins playing in the lakes and woods.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I currently offer support to Mamas for Mamas, a local charity that supports mother’s in need in Kelowna and the Okanagan. I am also developing programs for outreach work to assist homeless and marginalized people within the city focusing on mental health and addictions.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I would love to live in a world where people are able to understand one another and live peacefully with the common goal of protecting the amazing things we already have while working together on the rest of the challenges to come.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
I love Community Acupuncture. I became familiar with this style of treatment while studying at Pacific Rim College and there is just something really special about healing in a community setting.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Currently heading to the gym and throwing the headphones on is how I 'get away' but I also enjoy some quiet time driving on my commute up and down Glenmore Road.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I would love to see some creative and compassionate solutions to homelessness in Kelowna. We are a strong community and there is no reason that there should be so many people suffering on our streets.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The weather! I didn’t realize just how warm the summers are out here but I really enjoyed the heat. Hopefully, it won’t be so smoky next year so I can enjoy more of it outdoors!
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Skydive
2. Scuba with a Shark
3. Learn Spanish
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I open my bananas from the non-stem side and always throw that little part on the top away.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.)
Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or email at info@cjracupuncture.com
What is the name of your business/organization?
CJR Acupuncture.
Why did you get into/start this business?
I started CJR Acupuncture to provide Kelowna with an affordable model of Community Acupuncture which encourages people to use TCM Acupuncture as a regular part of their wellness routine.
What is the goal of your business?
To make Kelowna and the Okanagan a healthier place to live with TCM Acupuncture by meeting our clients wherever they are in their wellness journey and empowering them to reach their goals.
What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
I grew up with mental illness in the family and to this day it is still a big part of my life. Learning to cope with and come to terms with mental illness and the stigma surrounding it is a never-ending process.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
As much as I could 'hum' and 'hah' about this, I don’t believe in living life with regrets and I wouldn’t be the person I am today without the success and failures I’ve shared, so no I wouldn’t change anything.
What do you always find yourself saying?
'Where are the keys?'
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Elon Musk, because he’s one of the great thinkers of our time!
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
We should all try to shop locally because it keeps money in the local economy, it supports people who live and work around you and it often is better for the environment too.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Opening CJR Acupuncture has been a proud accomplishment in my life! It has been the culmination of a lot of hard work, personal growth and determination.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
I’d like to give Katrina Forgues a shout out for being such an amazing partner and loving mother!
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Sean McHugh, Owner of First Strike Martial Arts. I connected with Sean early on when I first moved to Kelowna and his willingness to support local business and provide encouragement to those around him is commendable. Plus he’s always smiling!
Some general comments I would like to share are:
Be kind to yourself! If you can learn to love yourself and treat yourself well, you’ll be able to give so much more to everyone and everything else in your life.
We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE. Thank you, Kelowna.
