Our Team.
Oversight of Kelowna & District S.H.A.R.E. Society is provided by a governance board of 6 members who offer direction and vision to three Managing Directors(Operations, Programs, and Strategic Planning & Fund Development), who serve as a team to ensure that the Society continues to meet its mission and mandate.Currently, there is a pool of approximately 200 volunteers who collectively offer, in total-worked hours, the equivalent of 3 full-time staff per month. S.H.A.R.E. adheres to equitable hiring practices and employs individuals with diverse abilities and other barriers to employment. There are currently a total of 15 part time and full time employees.
Janine Makar
Strategic Planning and Fund Development
Janine holds a Master’s degree in Psychology and has spent her career in human and social services, beginning with conducting research on young offenders and progressing into counseling within the social welfare system. She has developed inclusive programs for youth with diverse abilities at the University of Calgary and also served as CEO of a wildlife rehabilitation centre, reflecting her diverse interests and leadership strengths.
After relocating to Kelowna, Janine returned to her community roots, joining the SHARE Society as thrift store manager before becoming Executive Director in 2019. She is continually inspired by the resilience of the individuals she works with, finding the client connections both heartwarming and motivating. Now easing into retirement, Janine focuses her energy on her true passions—strategic planning and fund development—to continue creating programs that foster opportunity, dignity, and meaningful impact.
Shawn Folkema
Director of Operations
With a diverse background in industrial management & Logistics, Shawn has spent over two decades optimizing operations and leading teams in industrial sectors. Their expertise in streamlining processes, enhancing productivity, and implementing innovative solutions has earned them a reputation as a dynamic and results-driven leader. Throughout their career, Shawn has demonstrated a keen ability to navigate complex challenges and drive sustainable growth, making significant contributions to the companies they have worked for.
After Joining SHARE as a volunteer in 2023 Shawn decided to make the Transition from the corporate world to more community focused goals. Shawn now channels their passion for community service into running a charity thrift store. This venture allows them to leverage their management skills in a new and meaningful way, providing affordable goods to those in need while supporting SHARE’s charitable initiatives. Shawn enjoys working with people who are trying to make a positive impact in the community.
Heather Makortoff
Program Director
Heather has been a dedicated team member at SHARE for six years. She began her journey with the organization as the cashier,
quickly rising through the ranks to become the Operations Manager before stepping into her current leadership role.
After a few years away from the workforce, She joined SHARE with a strong desire to contribute and grow. Her career path is an example of resilience and determination, and she brings that same energy and empathy to the people and programs she leads.
Heather recruits and supports volunteers, facilitates the Details of Retail Introductory
Program (DRIP) , and oversees the Community Service Workers (CSWs). She is also actively
involved in the exciting launch of the RE:Up Studio. It is a creative repurposing initiative that transforms donated materials into meaningful, functional items while promoting skill building, sustainability, and meaningful engagement.
Senior Management Team
Daniel Poznikoff
Chair
Daniel is a businessman in Kelowna and has lived here for 31 years. He is originally
from BC. Dan had graduated from high school and wanted a better life. He spent his younger years in
Alberta. working in the oil patch and in the construction industry. He started a family and moved back
to BC. Over the years he has understood that people who want to make a change for the better, need
some help. SHARE is a great tool to make this happen.
Sven Giles-Hansen
Vice Chair
Sven is a retiree who settled in Kelowna 5 years ago. His work life consisted
of two very different careers. The first 20 years were in the aviation industry in Denmark and Canada,
the second career was horticulture in the kiwifruit industry in New Zealand and farming. His practical
skills are an asset that can be utilized at S.H.A.R.E. He is happy to be part of S.H.A.R.E. Society thrift
store since it provides unique services to the community.
Gordon Blair
Treasurer
Gordon was born and raised in Kelowna, before moving away to attend university and then spent several years away pursuing an international pharmaceutical career. After returning to Kelowna in 2014,he eventually took over the family business which he continues to run. He got involved with S.H.A.R.E. as he was a small business that is closely tied to the community, and wanted to do something which would give back to the community, so working within an organization such as S.H.A.R.E. provided an ideal opportunity to dedicate some time and resources in a way that would benefit Kelowna.
Shirley Hutt
Director Emeritus
Shirley spent years working in education as well as journalism and later
within various government responsibilities. She has served on several non-profit boards over many
years and is presently a Director and Secretary of the Kelowna & District S.H.A.R.E. Society. Shirley is
dedicated to S.H.A.R.E. and believes in its principles and what it does for our communities, so much so,
that she has been a board member forever 30 years.
Board of Directors
Miriam Cummings
Director
Miriam (she/her) is an interdisciplinary artist, actor, and educator who holds a Master of Fine Arts degree (Performance & Creative Writing). Playful improvisation is at the core of Miriam’s practice. Juxtapositions intrigue her: relationships created by proximity, bodies interacting with the natural / constructed world, and the resulting intimacy or lack thereof. Based in Tiohtià:ke/Montréal for more than a decade, Miriam came to Ki-Low-Na in 2022. A customer of SHARE from the week she landed in the Okanagan Valley, Miriam strives toward a zero-waste lifestyle. The values that SHARE embodies acknowledge the inseparable nature of social and climate justice. Miriam is passionate about guiding adults toward increased confidence, creativity, and self-expression through exercises rooted in contemporary acting techniques. Connect and learn more on Instagram @mcummings___
Heather Jones
Director
Heather comes with a background in social work and criminology. Over the past 6 years, she has been working with individuals, who have completed work experience at SHARE Society and in doing so, has assisted in developing the DRIP program. She is passionate about partnership working and her values align with those of SHARE society. She has joined the board this year.
Rick Beavington
Director
Rick is also new to the board this year. His commitment to the community is
evidenced by his support of Ukrainian displaced persons who arrived in Canada just after war broke out. He comes with a background in the trades and is self-described as a ‘jack-of-all-trades’. His passion is to see less go into the landfill by repairing or repurposing as much as possible. He has found his niche at S.H.A.R.E.!