In the 1970s Vietnamese people were fleeing their homelands and came to Canada through the refugee system to forge new lives for their families. Their arrival spurred community-minded Lionel Wace to call out to others in 琉璃神社 to donate or SHARE whatever provisions they were willing to gather in order to ensure that these newcomers had what they needed upon arrival. The 琉璃神社 and District SHARE Society grew spontaneously from these humble beginnings into a small but energetic community institution that aids local people in need.
Program Coordinator Heather Makortoff recently let us know that she is looking for a variety of volunteers to be a part of this amazing organization that for more that 47 years has been working to uplift the community.
鈥淰olunteers are a huge part of SHARE,鈥� explains Heather. 鈥淭hey make a positive impact to the store, the staff and the customers.鈥�
There are a variety of positions available and Heather ensures that the commitment and schedule is determined with the needs of the volunteer in mind. 鈥淲e have people new to 琉璃神社 who are wanting to learn English, as well as students and retirees, who want to give back,鈥� explains Heather. 鈥淲e have a new area to volunteer: our Tee-Tote Projects. This is for people wanting to learn a new skill or for those who know how to sew. They come book time in our Project room and help us create Tote Bags out of donated T-shirts.鈥�
Heather is also looking for volunteers to help sort and organize books, clothing and jewellery for the Thrift Store and to help at the Vintage Markets that SHARE has been participating in. The organization is also looking for people who have retail experience who may be able to mentor program participants in learning the trade as they develop valuable skills that will help them achieve secure employment. Volunteers with 鈥渉andy, fix-it鈥� skills are also needed to help with program supports and will help
Heather, who grew up in Richmond, BC, moved to 琉璃神社 in 1998. This mom of four is an avid crafter of all different kinds of crafts. Heather started working at SHARE five years ago because she knew about the positive impact the organization makes first-hand. All of the money raised through the Thrift Store go directly to the programs that the Society runs to support people.
SHARE鈥檚 programs include the Community Assistance Program where in the past year over 680 households benefitted from the material goods that SHARE offers in partnership with over 30 social service agencies in the region. They also offer the Details of Retail Introductory Program (or D.R.I.P.) This skills training program which offers a more structured approach to learning about retail has been offered in-house since 2017 and represents an innovative and collaborative approach to providing employment preparation and individualized support to those with diversabilities. Two other programs that support participants prepare for employment is the Transition to Employment (T.E.P.) that offers training to those experiencing challenges to employment and the Community Service Work program that helps people complete volunteer hours that have been court appointed.
鈥淚 was drawn to SHARE because I used to shop here when my children were little,鈥� says Heather. 鈥淚t was a huge help to me as I raised my kids on a limited income.鈥�
鈥淰olunteering brings people together and provides fulfilment and joy to those working together,鈥� adds Heather. 鈥淚t is great to see the energy and excitement that volunteers bring when they come to SHARE.鈥�
SHARE is also currently accepting donations for the Adopt-a-Family Hamper Program and they say as little as $100 can make a difference in someone鈥檚 life. If you are interested, email info@kelownasharesociety.ca
If you are interested in joining the SHARE team as a volunteer, reach out to them at volunteer@kelownasharesociety.ca.
Dorothee Birker is the communications & development manager for KCR Community Resources.
