In Focus | Christine Ferch

Meet Christine! Christine is originally from the Central Interior and has been living here in Kelowna for two years now. She enjoys swimming in Okanagan Lake in the summer, snowboarding up at Big White in the winter, and spending some quality time with her grandmother.


Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I am from the Central Interior and I have been in Kelowna for 2 years.

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My grandma. She reminds me to stay humble, appreciate the small things, stay mellow and let things go.

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Bread Co., Sandwiches, Treats, Coffee and tasty bread.

Describe yourself in one word.
Genuine.

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Bali or Belize. I love the way the water looks and I enjoy their culture and foliage.


What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Swimming in the summer, Snowboarding in the winter.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Nope, not without a couple of beers!

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Those who have been through intense stressful situations and know they have difficulty processing the information but still get up in the morning and treat others with kindness, dignity and respect.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
My older brothers played Rep hockey and the teams always stayed together in the hotel, both teams as my dad coached both. So, there were 40 plus 8-12-year-old kids running around the hotel, playing in the pool and annoying other patrons playing nicki nicki nine doors. We were being kids, no bubble wrap, just the ability to play around, be goofy and suffer consequences when people let our parents know what we were up to. We got in trouble but it was okay, it was fun!


If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Inequality throughout the many countries.

Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
I hike up along the lake and find my own private beach.

What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The Views!

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Scuba diving the big blue hole in Belize
2. Jumping out of a helicopter onto the top of a snow-covered mountain peak
3. Sky diving


Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I am not a fan of birds.

How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Instagram

What is the name of your business/organization?
Orchard Valley Counselling Services

Why did you get into/start this business?
I wanted to be an empathetic, non judgemental, respectful person for people to share their stories in a safe place. Build quality of life for those who are enduring great change or pain.

What is the goal of your business?
To network myself and the organization I work for.


What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Getting enough sleep!

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
Different, why not try a different path. You are still climbing your same tree. Just because you start off with a different path, doesn't mean what is at the top is completely different.

What do you always find yourself saying?
Anything that begins with a list.

Tell us your best piece of life advice.
"Be flexible and remember to let things go."

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
My Mom, because she was a mom. She set good boundaries, provided education on important topics and support in a caring and respectful home. She taught basic skills to enhance my independence and how to fight for myself. She showed me empathy and how to use my heart and my mind as a whole instead of separate parts. Plus, she's tough as nails!


Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Usually, these shops are opened up by young entrepreneurs who are striving to achieve a goal or a dream and live out their passion. Shopping in their stores boosts their confidence and will to keep them motivated within their chosen career.

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Academics, pretty sure some high school teachers are a bit shocked too.

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.

In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition of the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great. Thank you, Kelowna!