A group of staff and volunteers with soap bubbles around
A group of staff and volunteers with soap bubbles around
Our Mission
Our Mission

Our Mission

Changing lives by providing hope and dignity through hygiene.  

Changing lives by providing hope and dignity through hygiene.  

Changing lives by providing hope and dignity through hygiene.  

Our Vision
Our Vision

Our Vision

Eradicating Hygiene Poverty. 

Eradicating Hygiene Poverty. 

Eradicating Hygiene Poverty. 

Our History

Our History

A Simple Question Sparked a Movement

It all began with a simple question: "What do you do for hygiene products?" posed to local Community Facilities. Each responded that they never received hygiene donations on a consistent basis or enough for everyone they served. Also, no Facility had it in their budget to purchase hygiene products.

A Simple Question Sparked a Movement

It all began with a simple question: "What do you do for hygiene products?" posed to local Community Facilities. Each responded that they never received hygiene donations on a consistent basis or enough for everyone they served. Also, no Facility had it in their budget to purchase hygiene products.

Expansion Over the Years

Since 2015, our program has expanded from supporting 5 Community Facilities in Victoria to over 500 Facilities across B.C. and Alberta. A Community Facility could be a Shelter, Transitional Home, Street Outreach Service, Food Bank, School, Low Income Senior Facility, or Emergency Centre assisting people fleeing from fires and floods, among others.

Expansion Over the Years

Since 2015, our program has expanded from supporting 5 Community Facilities in Victoria to over 500 Facilities across B.C. and Alberta. A Community Facility could be a Shelter, Transitional Home, Street Outreach Service, Food Bank, School, Low Income Senior Facility, or Emergency Centre assisting people fleeing from fires and floods, among others.

Evolution of Our Hygiene Kits

We started with a basic Hygiene Kit made from 5 products we could repurpose from the hotel industry. These were individual sized soap, shampoo, conditioner, body wash and body lotion. We soon realized we needed to be the complete hygiene solution for other equally important and overlooked essential products. We began purchasing items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant and menstrual products.

Evolution of Our Hygiene Kits

We started with a basic Hygiene Kit made from 5 products we could repurpose from the hotel industry. These were individual sized soap, shampoo, conditioner, body wash and body lotion. We soon realized we needed to be the complete hygiene solution for other equally important and overlooked essential products. We began purchasing items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant and menstrual products.

Broadening Our Impact

Our journey began by supporting street-entrenched individuals and has expanded to help a broad range of vulnerable people.

With rising inflation and rents, many seniors on fixed incomes are forced to cut hygiene from their budgets, and we are proud to provide them with our hygiene kits.

We also support children in schools, particularly those in food programs who most likely don't have enough hygiene at home.

The pandemic highlighted the need to assist financially insecure families, leading us to offer products in three sizes—individual, mid-size, and family—to effectively meet the needs of our diverse community.

Broadening Our Impact

Our journey began by supporting street-entrenched individuals and has expanded to help a broad range of vulnerable people.

With rising inflation and rents, many seniors on fixed incomes are forced to cut hygiene from their budgets, and we are proud to provide them with our hygiene kits.

We also support children in schools, particularly those in food programs who most likely don't have enough hygiene at home.

The pandemic highlighted the need to assist financially insecure families, leading us to offer products in three sizes—individual, mid-size, and family—to effectively meet the needs of our diverse community.

And We Continue

to bring health, hope and dignity for all.

And We Continue

to bring health, hope and dignity for all.

Our Values

Our Values

DIGNITY

We believe in treating everyone with fairness, kindness, and consideration, acknowledging and supporting their worth through honest work, resourcefulness, and generosity. 

DIGNITY

We believe in treating everyone with fairness, kindness, and consideration, acknowledging and supporting their worth through honest work, resourcefulness, and generosity. 

SUSTAINABILITY

We actively seek ways to contribute to environmental preservation, minimize waste, and support the long-term well-being for communities and the planet.  

SUSTAINABILITY

We actively seek ways to contribute to environmental preservation, minimize waste, and support the long-term well-being for communities and the planet.  

PASSIONATE

Our commitment to serving the community and preserving the environment is fueled by passionate individuals and a caring atmosphere. This unwavering passion is evident in our strong dedication, genuine interest, and heartfelt belief in fulfilling our mission. 

PASSIONATE

Our commitment to serving the community and preserving the environment is fueled by passionate individuals and a caring atmosphere. This unwavering passion is evident in our strong dedication, genuine interest, and heartfelt belief in fulfilling our mission. 

COLLABORATION

We collaborate with various organizations in the community, sharing resources to achieve common goals and fostering teamwork to constantly improve tasks and achieve better outcomes for everyone involved. 

COLLABORATION

We collaborate with various organizations in the community, sharing resources to achieve common goals and fostering teamwork to constantly improve tasks and achieve better outcomes for everyone involved. 

INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY

We provide opportunities for anyone to join our diverse community. Our commitment to inclusivity is demonstrated through compassionate care for individuals from various backgrounds, fostering a collaborative spirit toward common goals.

INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY

We provide opportunities for anyone to join our diverse community. Our commitment to inclusivity is demonstrated through compassionate care for individuals from various backgrounds, fostering a collaborative spirit toward common goals.

Board of Directors

Board of Directors

Peter Dohan 
Board Chair

Peter was born in Vancouver and has lived in Montreal and Calgary before settling in Victoria 30 years ago. An avid traveler, he has explored Europe and the South Pacific, and enjoys an active lifestyle and RV adventures. With over 40 years in retail and hospitality, Peter loves sharing his knowledge, meeting new people, and learning from their stories. He is committed to continual self-improvement, living by the motto that it's not about the destination but the journey. 

Kathleen Nelson
Treasurer 

Kathleen has extensive experience as Division Accountant for MacMillan Bloedel and co-owner of a large construction company. She managed leasing and accounting for commercial properties on the Island. Active in the Harbourside Rotary Club, Habitat for Humanity, and Sendial. Kathy also volunteers at festivals and golf tournaments. In her leisure time, she enjoys spending time with her daughter and friends, paddling with a dragon boat team, golfing, and traveling. 

Marvelee Papaloukas
Secretary

Marvelee, a licensed real estate professional with Sutton Group – West Coast Realty, specializes in residential real estate, helping clients navigate buying and selling homes. With a background as a certified Executive Coach and various leadership roles in non-profits, she has worked to create healthier, stronger communities. A lifelong Vancouver Islander, Marvelee proudly calls Victoria, BC her home. 

Leslie Hunter 
Director

With over 25 years of business expertise, she is an executive coach and has owned various businesses, and excelled in stakeholder relations, marketing, public relations, and senior management. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Art and Design from the University of Alberta and is a certified Executive Coach. Passionate about lifelong learning, Leslie enjoys studying wine, collecting art, and staying active in her spare time. Leslie is a dual citizen of Canada and Australia and is currently learning to play tennis. 

Catinka Dekker 
Director

Catinka hails from the Netherlands and was raised across B.C., now resides in sunny Kamloops. She enjoys spending time with her family, including her cats, and tending to her garden. With a background in retail management and a current role in hospitality, Catinka is passionate about sharing her experiences to help others. She strongly believes in diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to create safe spaces with dignity and respect for all. 

Andrew Smith
Director

Andrew hails from Melbourne, Australia, and moved to Canada in 1993. After earning a Bachelor of Commerce at Ryerson University, he relocated to Victoria in 2004, where he met his wife, Tracy. Since 2006, Andrew has been a Consultant at IG Wealth Management, building his practice on the philosophy of prioritizing clients' needs. He feels blessed to call Victoria home with their two sons and enjoys hiking, golfing, and biking with his family. 

Our Amazing Team

Our Amazing Team

Anne Mcintyre

Founder & Executive Director

anne@soapforhopecanada.ca

Anne Mcintyre

Founder & Executive Director

anne@soapforhopecanada.ca

Angie Vinueza

Marketing & Development Manager

communications@soapforhopecanada.ca

Angie Vinueza

Marketing & Development Manager

communications@soapforhopecanada.ca

Samara Pulido

Marketing Coordinator

relations@soapforhopecanada.ca

Samara Pulido

Marketing Coordinator

relations@soapforhopecanada.ca

Terry Edison-Brown

Volunteer Coordinator

volunteer@soapforhopecanada.ca

Terry Edison-Brown

Volunteer Coordinator

volunteer@soapforhopecanada.ca

Sanjay Tack

Warehouse Assistant

Sanjay Tack

Warehouse Assistant

Julie Dangond

Program Assistant

victoria@soapforhopecanada.ca

Julie Dangond

Program Assistant

victoria@soapforhopecanada.ca

Media

Media

December 24, 2024

Video

Soap for Hope founder and executive director C. Anne McIntyre explains how the organization repurposes gently used hygiene products for benefit of vulnerable communities.

December 24, 2024

Video

Soap for Hope founder and executive director C. Anne McIntyre explains how the organization repurposes gently used hygiene products for benefit of vulnerable communities.

December 15, 2024

Article

Soap for Hope Canada, which receives funding from the Times Colonist Christmas Fund, provides hygiene products to people in need.

December 15, 2024

Article

Soap for Hope Canada, which receives funding from the Times Colonist Christmas Fund, provides hygiene products to people in need.

September 3, 2024

Article

Soap for Hope Canada aims to continue initiative that reduces plastic waste, benefits local infrastructure.

September 3, 2024

Article

Soap for Hope Canada aims to continue initiative that reduces plastic waste, benefits local infrastructure.

August 29, 2024

Article

Soap for Hope Canada has collected and cleaned around 10,000 plastic bottles for the project which would turn the bottles into filaments that reinforce and prevent cracks in concrete.

August 29, 2024

Article

Soap for Hope Canada has collected and cleaned around 10,000 plastic bottles for the project which would turn the bottles into filaments that reinforce and prevent cracks in concrete.

May 29, 2024

Article

Fans called on to donate new and gently used personal care products at Royal Athletic Park.

May 29, 2024

Article

Fans called on to donate new and gently used personal care products at Royal Athletic Park.

May 4, 2024

Article

Soap for Hope Canada is proud to announce the inaugural Hygiene Repurposing Experience, taking place at Tsawwassen Mills from May 6 to 11. This unique event aims to engage the community in donating and repurposing hygiene products to benefit those in need.

May 4, 2024

Article

Soap for Hope Canada is proud to announce the inaugural Hygiene Repurposing Experience, taking place at Tsawwassen Mills from May 6 to 11. This unique event aims to engage the community in donating and repurposing hygiene products to benefit those in need.

April 18, 2024

Article

It’s time to dig through those cupboards and finally get rid of your spare gently used, expired or new hygiene products. Only rather than contributing to landfill waste, your products will be repurposed and given to those in need!

April 18, 2024

Article

It’s time to dig through those cupboards and finally get rid of your spare gently used, expired or new hygiene products. Only rather than contributing to landfill waste, your products will be repurposed and given to those in need!

April 1, 2024

Article

A local charity that supplies hygiene products to ­vulnerable people in the community has identified ­soaring demand and an urgent need for community support in its 2023 Impact Report.

April 1, 2024

Article

A local charity that supplies hygiene products to ­vulnerable people in the community has identified ­soaring demand and an urgent need for community support in its 2023 Impact Report.

January 22, 2024

Video

Soap is something most of us probably take for granted, but here at home and around the world, many people can’t afford to buy it. That’s where Soap For Hope Canada comes in, diverting soap, shampoo bottles and other hygiene products from the landfill to those who are in need. Watch more on this week’s Vital People, on CHEK News.

January 22, 2024

Video

Soap is something most of us probably take for granted, but here at home and around the world, many people can’t afford to buy it. That’s where Soap For Hope Canada comes in, diverting soap, shampoo bottles and other hygiene products from the landfill to those who are in need. Watch more on this week’s Vital People, on CHEK News.

December 6, 2023

Podcast

C. Anne McIntyre says while there are services that provide food and shelter to those in need, hygiene products can often be more of an afterthought.

December 6, 2023

Podcast

C. Anne McIntyre says while there are services that provide food and shelter to those in need, hygiene products can often be more of an afterthought.

December 3, 2023

Article

Volunteer elves stuff Ziploc bags with toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, deodorants, lotions and other items that many recipients can no longer afford to buy — and finish it off with a personal touch.

December 3, 2023

Article

Volunteer elves stuff Ziploc bags with toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, deodorants, lotions and other items that many recipients can no longer afford to buy — and finish it off with a personal touch.

December 20, 2022

Article

Christmas packages for seniors are being assembled in a corner of the Soap for Hope Canada warehouse in Vic West.

December 20, 2022

Article

Christmas packages for seniors are being assembled in a corner of the Soap for Hope Canada warehouse in Vic West.

May 20, 2022

Article

A couple of weeks ago, prepped for a quiet Friday at the Victoria office, executive director Anne McIntyre was reminded of the need to always be ready, and they were, fulfilling a sudden demand for hygiene kits and linen for 500 people. All of which needed to be in Vancouver by Monday for distribution to families coming from Ukraine.

May 20, 2022

Article

A couple of weeks ago, prepped for a quiet Friday at the Victoria office, executive director Anne McIntyre was reminded of the need to always be ready, and they were, fulfilling a sudden demand for hygiene kits and linen for 500 people. All of which needed to be in Vancouver by Monday for distribution to families coming from Ukraine.

January 9, 2022

Article

Soap for Hope Canada has seen a 174 per cent surge in demand during the COVID-19 pandemic.

January 9, 2022

Article

Soap for Hope Canada has seen a 174 per cent surge in demand during the COVID-19 pandemic.

October 4, 2021

Article

The charity recycles soap and other products often discarded by hotels and other businesses and distributes them to hundreds of communities across B.C. and Alberta.

October 4, 2021

Article

The charity recycles soap and other products often discarded by hotels and other businesses and distributes them to hundreds of communities across B.C. and Alberta.

Changing lives by providing health, hope and dignity through hygiene.  

Registered Canadian Charity: 76991 2676 RR0001

426b William St. Victoria, BC V9A 3Y9

250 590 1462

victoria@soapforhopecanada.ca

SOAP FOR HOPE CANADA 2025

Changing lives by providing health, hope and dignity through hygiene.  

Registered Canadian Charity: 76991 2676 RR0001

426b William St. Victoria, BC V9A 3Y9

250 590 1462

victoria@soapforhopecanada.ca

SOAP FOR HOPE CANADA 2025