Board of Directors
Our volunteer board members are dedicated to the mission, vision, and governance of Soap for Hope Canada. They come from diverse backgrounds and bring a wide range of skills and expertise to our organization. They are the real soap stars of Soap for Hope Canada, working closely with our staff, volunteers, and partners they ensure our programs are effective and efficient, and that we are able to reach as many people as possible.
Note: We have 2 spots open on the Board at this time.
Catinka Dekker
DIRECTOR
Catinka (she/her) was born in the Netherlands but lived most of her life across B.C. Currently located in sunny Kamloops, Catinka loves to spend time with her family (cats included of course!) and being out in her garden.
With a background in retail management, and a current role in hospitality, she has a passion for sharing her experiences and knowledge to help others. She believes strongly in the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion to create safe spaces with dignity and respect for all. Catinka is thrilled to be a part of the Soap for Hope family and can’t wait to see what the future has in store!
Peter Dohan
BOARD CHAIR
Born in Vancouver, Peter has lived in Montreal and Calgary before settling in Victoria almost 30 years ago. He has traveled extensively through Europe and the South Pacific. Peter enjoys an active lifestyle and time away in the RV.
With over 40 years in retail and hospitality, Peter enjoys sharing his knowledge with others. Most importantly, he enjoys meeting new people, listening to their stories, and learning from others.
Continually working to better himself, Peter lives by the motto it’s not about the destination but the journey.
Souie Gorup
DIRECTOR
Souie is a Geographer having studied at McGill and is certified in Conflict Resolution from the Justice Institute of BC. She has a broad range of experience working in Inuit and First Nations communities, Parks Canada and more recently with the Provincial Government’s Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation. Souie has volunteered with several different boards including Indigenous Tourism BC and the North West Indigenous Council, a voice for off-reserve Indigenous peoples. She is passionate about building relationships iwth , Elders and youth.
Souie was part of the 60’s Scoop and is on her healing journey that includes reclaiming her traditional cultural and ceremonial practices. Mi’kmaq from Cape Breton Island, Souie has been living on the traditional lands of the Coast Salish peoples for 20 years.
Kathleen Nelson
TREASURER
Kathy spent 16 years working for MacMillan Bloedel retiring as Division Accountant and spent 40 years co-owing and managing a large construction company. She also managed leasing and accounting requirements for several jointly owned commercial properties throughout the Island.
In addition to her involvement with Soap for Hope, she is very active with Harbourside Rotary Club, Habitat for Humanity & Sendial.
Kathy also volunteers for many annual festivals & events both locally and in the USA at golf tournaments. Leisure involves spending time with her daughter and friends, paddling with a mixed Platinum dragon boat team, some golf & travel.
Marvelee Papaloukas
Marvelee Papaloukas is a licensed real estate professional with Sutton Group – West Coast Realty, specializing in residential real estate. She enjoys helping her clients navigate the process of buying or selling their homes.
In her previous business experience as a certified Executive Coach and various leadership roles, as well as numerous positions held in non-profits, Marvelee has worked to generate positive change to create healthier, stronger communities.
As a lifelong Vancouver Islander Marvelee is happy to call Victoria, BC her home.
Andrew Smith
DIRECTOR
Originally from Melbourne, Australia, Andrew moved to Canada in 1993. He completed Bachelor of Commerce at Ryerson University in Toronto. He moved to Victoria in 2004 where he met his wife, Tracy. Andrew joined IG Wealth Management as a Consultant in 2006, to build a practice on the simple philosophy of putting clients and their needs first.
Mike feels incredibly blessed to call Victoria home with their two sons. Outside of work, he enjoys hiking, golfing, and biking with his family.
Interested in sustainability and serving your community?
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Consider joining the board of Soap for Hope Canada
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Interested in sustainability and serving your community? 〰️ Consider joining the board of Soap for Hope Canada 〰️
Advisory Council
The Soap for Hope Canada Advisory Council provides expert advice and guidance to our work. This is the team we call on to offer strategic insights and perspectives based on expertise and experience in relevant fields. These members of the team help the organization navigate key issues, opportunities, and challenges.
We are currently seeking a lawyer to expand our Advisory Board.
Richard Gordon
Richard has a long business background working across a broad spectrum of industries. He excels at nurturing and developing long-term relationships with all levels of Business, Government, Crown Corporations, Finance, Medical and Legal organizations. He also has years of experience on various community boards including the Better Business Bureau, Chamber of Commerce, Disaster Aid Canada, Victoria Humane Society and the Oak Bay Emergency Program.
Dr. Jim Force
Dr. Jim Force is a retired educator with over 40-years teaching experience in experiential and classroom learning. He holds a Ph.D. in Education specializing in teaching and learning as well as a M.A. in Leading and Consulting. He has served as associate faculty with The Banff Centre in Banff, Alberta teaching leadership courses. He also taught a Masters in Leadership at Royal Roads University in Victoria, BC. Jim has been an active Rotarian since 2002 and is currently a member of the Calgary Millennium Rotary Club.
Dion Pomponio
Dion is a CPA and assists our team with accounting-related concerns and questions.
You
Do you have particular skills in community connections, the hotel industry, or law? Consider joining our advisory council