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Meet Adam! He's a passionate activist located in Kelowna, striving to encourage our city to change the way we think about our everyday habits.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
Hamilton ON originally. Penticton in 2013, Kelowna as of 2017.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
Skiing trees with my crew! Or anyone I am skiing with really, because skiing is my favourite way to spend time.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Stay Tuned Sports. They perform the best ski tunes and have great service and attitude.
Describe yourself in one word.
Tall. Because everyone I meet tells me that.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Jackson Hole Wyoming because they just had the snowiest month on record. Time to ski some pow!
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Skiing. It's why I came here in the first place.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
When I was a young kid at camp the counselor told us to pair up so I grabbed hands with my buddy Kevin. An older kid called us gay and everyone started laughing. We immediately let go and that was the end of holding hands with my buddies.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Going vegan. It opened my mind to how bad our food industry is and how much it impacts the environment. Plus it made me realize that things we "learn" aren't always true and it's important to keep and open mind to new information.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Getting my dog Riley. I fought so hard to get a dog and when I finally picked him up it was the happiest moment of my life. We were best friends.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
Kelowna Climate Save. We are trying to bring attention to the environmental impact of animal agriculture and the oil industry to encourage citizens and the city to get with the program. Climate Action Now!
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
For people to wake up and realize that major change needs to be made especially in our own daily routines, otherwise the future is going to be very bleak.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Go to the lake and enjoy a long swim along the shoreline.
Where would you like to see a positive change in Kelowna and why?
I would like to see Kelowna become a leader in the race to lower emissions and fight for an environmentally friendly future.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The beautifully scenery and adventurous activities that are possible. The nature around us is spectacular and I will never stop being amazed by it.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1) Ski in every continent (4 to go).
2) Learn to paraglide.
3) Live a zero waste, carbon neutral lifestyle. I know these are contradictory so it's going to be tough.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I was part of an improv group in New Zealand that even booked shows at a local bar. No one in the group was actually from New Zealand.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Connecting "personally" on social media feels like an oxymoron. But if they could follow Kelowna Climate Save on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter that would make me happy.
What is the name of your business/organization?
Kelowna Climate Save
Why did you get into this business?
I was doing some animal rights activism and wanted to try and reach out to people from and environmental stand point, based on how a vegan diet can be much more sustainable than an omnivore's diet.
What is the goal of your business?
From a larger organizational stand point we aim to eliminate the industries and actions that contribute to climate change. The two main issues being animal agriculture and fossil fuels.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
People don't want to change their way of living so it's such a grind to convince people to believe our message. Even if they believe us they aren't willing to commit to change. I think it shows how selfish people can be, but I understand because I was once on the other side of the argument.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
A few moments might be different but there a few things in my life right now that are too good to miss so I'd still probably end up in the same place.
What do you always find yourself saying?
"Send it!"
What is your best piece of life advice?
Do on to others as you would have them do on to you. And that goes for all species on Earth.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Arnold Schwarzenegger. I have a theory on why he is the most successful person on the planet.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
The farther away your products have to come from, the more impact they will have on climate change. Especially with your food it can mean a lot to eat seasonal, local food. And we live in the Okanagan so that really mean you get to eat some delicious food.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Hosting the Climate Strikes in Kelowna in September 2019. It was reported nearly 1000 people came out to march. It felt pretty powerful to be leading a group of people that big.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Lisa! Because I know she doesn't actually like being a focal point for attention.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Shayne Meechan
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!
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