Kelowna & District SHARE Society works to reduce poverty by meeting material needs and removing barriers to employment through inclusive, skill-building programs. RE:UP Studio, the creative hub of the Society, empowers individuals of all abilities to build confidence, community, and practical skills through creative upcycling/repurposing, retail training, and entrepreneurial exploration. By transforming discarded materials into opportunity, we promote environmental sustainability, enhance employability, and foster dignity, inclusion, and meaningful social connection. SHARE supports all backgrounds, genders, and sexual expressions.
Adopt a Family Hamper Program
Applications are now being accepted in person at SHARE to be a recipient of our holiday hampers. For details, please click the button below.
We are also accepting donations and volunteers to help support this important program. If you are willing and able to support, please click the button below to fill out our form, and our programming team will get back to you right away!
Reuse, Repair, Reimagine:
SHARE and RE:UP Studio
for a Sustainable Kelowna
Since 1980, SHARE has kept useful goods in circulation. RE:UP Studio now teaches the community how to do the same.
SHARE Thrift Store and RE:UP Studio show that sustainability can also be social. Every donated shirt, coat, or chair that is reused, repaired, or repurposed stays out of the landfill, and it also helps a neighbour in need, supports a volunteer or trainee, and funds community programs.
Keeping Goods in Use
• Thrift retail: Donated clothing and household goods are sorted, priced, and resold, extending their life and making quality items affordable. [Add annual tonnage or items diverted if tracked.]
• Community Assistance Program (CAP): Donated clothing, coats, linens, kitchenware, and furniture go directly to people in need, including 9,000 individuals last year, so reuse meets real needs.
• Partner agencies: Shelters and outreach groups with no storage space rely on CAP's steady supply of blankets, sleeping bags, and clothing.
RE:UP Studio: Repair, Repurpose, Redesign
RE:UP turns textiles that might be discarded into something useful and beautiful.
• Volunteers design one-of-a-kind items from donated materials, sold in boutique-style displays at SHARE Thrift Store.
• Each two-hour workshop diverts roughly 4 to 5 lbs of textiles, and RE:UP has diverted hundreds of kilograms since launching in 2025.
• Circular practices such as zero-waste fashion, upcycling, and repair are built into every program.
Educating the Community
RE:UP helps people learn the skills that make sustainable choices possible:
• Workshops: Learn to Sew, Mending & Clothing Repair, Textile Upcycling, Transform Your Jeans, Zero Waste Fashion, Quilt & Crochet Projects, and Block Printing
• SEWcial groups: weekly drop-in sessions where people repair, remake, and share skills
• Events and displays: [add community events] that show how reuse can be creative and fashionable
• Work experience: participants in both paid and unpaid streams gain hands-on experience in textile repair, sewing, sorting, and circular retail
Participants leave with practical skills, such as mending a seam, altering a garment, or turning old material into something new, that reduce waste at home.
Three Pillars of Sustainability
• Environmental: less textile and household waste, and more reuse
• Social: inclusion, connection, and dignity for people who are isolated or in need
• Economic: affordable goods, skills training, and revenue that funds community programs
Join Us
• Donate clean, usable clothing, fabric, and household goods
• Shop at SHARE Thrift Store and choose reuse first
• Learn at a RE:UP workshop or SEWcial group
• Volunteer to sort, sew, or design
Turning Waste into Wonder, Community into Connection
Re:Up Studio is a creative social enterprise by the Kelowna & District SHARE Society that empowers individuals through hands-on learning in upcycling, sewing, and sustainable design. By transforming donated textiles into unique, functional items, participants gain valuable skills, confidence, and a sense of purpose. The studio offers weekly classes, monthly workshops, and daily drop-in sessions that promote inclusion, community connection, and environmental responsibility. Through this innovative program, Re:Up supports both people and the planet, one stitch at a time.
Events
Upcoming Events
Sewcial ClubFridays from 10 to 3:30Kelowna
Sewcial ClubWednesday from 10 to 3:30Kelowna
OrientationEvery Friday from 2 - 4Kelowna
Events
Thrift Store
The SHARE Thrift Store relies on the generosity of the community, receiving donations of gently used clothing, household items, furniture, and occasional vintage treasures from the public. These donated goods are carefully sorted and sold at affordable prices, with all proceeds directly supporting the delivery of S.H.A.R.E. Society’s programs.
Members of the thrift store enjoy additional discounts and exclusive access to advanced members-only sales, creating even more value while supporting a great cause. Every purchase helps fund essential services, skill-building opportunities, and inclusive initiatives that empower individuals and families in need. By giving new life to preloved items, the thrift store not only reduces waste but also strengthens the social fabric of our community.
General membership $5, includes discounts and member only sales events; membership in the Sewcial Club are $10 a month or $100 per year and includes unlimited access to Sewcial meet-ups, as well space to store ongoing projects.
Meet Our Team
Community. Teamwork. Passion.
Our Senior Management Team and Board bring valuable skills, experience, guidance, and a sincere passion for making our community better to S.H.A.R.E.
Executive Director
Janine Makar
Program Director
Heather Makortoff
Chairman
Daniel Poznikoff
Vice Chair
Sven Giles-Hansen
Director
Rick Beaverton
Treasurer
Gord Blair