OUR TEAM
2025 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Bruce Winter, chair
Bruce grew up in Montreal, Quebec and obtained his master’s in computer science (Software Engineering) from the University of Victoria. Bruce served in the Navy as a naval officer for 27 years where he had a varied career and travelled extensively. On his retirement from the Navy, Bruce had a brief sojourn working at the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Victoria and then spent 16 years working for the BC Government supporting Information Technology projects. Bruce is semi-retired and continues to support special projects at the Ministry of Health. Bruce and his partner Laura have 3 children and 4 grand-children who all reside in or near Victoria. Bruce and Laura are long-time active members of St George the Martyr in Cadboro Bay. In his leisure time Bruce likes to spend time motorcycling, playing pickleball, lawn bowling, kayaking, walking his dog and gardening.
Starting 2nd Year of 1st Term – Term ends 2026
Jennefer Byrne - Vice Chair
Jennefer is so honoured to be part of the Shelbourne Community Kitchen Society and looks forward to working with all the amazing people who are part of this community. She is a retired educator, having spent the better part of 30+ years as a classroom teacher, special education teacher, district lead teacher, and Principal. She loves to do just about anything around her home, including gardening, cooking, painting, and sewing. She also enjoys hiking and spending time on forest and mountain trails. Jennefer lives close by with her husband, their dog, and their very unusual cat. They love their community, and she looks forward to being a positive support in any way she can.
Starting 2nd Year of 1st Term – Term ends 2026
rae Franklin - A/Treasurer
Rae has dedicated 16 years to the provincial public sector, holding various roles in policy, legislation, and leadership. She is currently the Director of Governance at the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills and has previously advised the government on financial and corporate sector policy matters. Rae holds a B.A., M.A., and J.D. from the University of British Columbia (UBC). Passionate about promoting diversity, inclusion, and accessibility, she serves on the ADEI advisory committee for the District of Saanich. Outside of work, Rae enjoys reading and exploring the outdoors with her family.
Starting 2nd Year of 1st Term – Term ends 2026
darlene McCOY - a/secretary
Darlene has been a volunteer at The Kitchen for a year and enjoys working with the amazing staff, volunteers, and members who make it such a welcoming place. She works full time as a real estate appraiser and appreciates having a flexible schedule that allows her to volunteer during the day. At The Kitchen, she’s involved in the Pantry program, on the Grant Team, and has served on the Board since last fall. Outside of work, she enjoys gardening, baking, kayaking, and spending time with her family and dog near her home. Darlene is pleased to continue to support The Kitchen and work as part of a great team of people to continue the work that so many hands and hearts have come together to help build in our community
Starting 1st Year of 1st Term – Term ends 2027
Linda Campbell - director
Chair of the Health & Safety Committee and accessibility expert Linda graduated from UBC with a BSc. in Rehabilitation (Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy), later supplemented with courses at BCIT and UVic. Her work experience focused initially on clinical work in the community, Long Term Care and Rehabilitation. The last years of Linda’s career were managerial as Rehabilitation Consultant at the Ministry of Health and Project Manager for Assisted Living Vancouver Island. Linda also serves on the board of Mt. St. Mary Hospital, and in the past has enjoyed volunteering as a founding member of the Oak Bay Volunteer Services (President), Volunteer Victoria (President), Victoria Housing for the Disabled, Shekinah Housing, Luther Court Board and multiple Committees
Starting 2nd Year of 3rd Term – Term ends 2026
Ray Lett- director
Ray is a registered BC Professional Geoscientist (P. Geo) and retiree from the BC Government. He is a member of St. Luke Anglican Church, one of The Kitchen’s founding partners. Since 2013, Ray has been involved with The Kitchen and served on the board from 2017-2019. In addition, beginning in 2017 and continuing today, Ray has been a valued member of The Kitchen’s Health & Safety Committee.
Starting 1st Year of 2nd Term – Term ends 2027
Ellis Parsons (they/he) - director
Ellis Parsons is a dedicated professional with experience in both research and service-based roles. With a background in psychology and neuroscience, they have been sharing their knowledge by connecting with disabled communities in the non-profit sector since 2023. Having grown up in Lekwungen Territory, Ellis has always been passionate about land stewardship and our local food systems, and can often be found in their garden or kitchen when not busy working. You can also find Ellis exploring the city with their guide dog, Jazz (a beautiful Black Labrador).
Starting 1st Year of 1st Term – Term ends 2027
Marylin Pattison - director
Marilyn was born and raised in the Tsawwassen area. After graduating from UBC she worked as a high school counsellor before joining Douglas College in New Westminster. She spent ten years there as faculty member and administrator. After moving to Toronto she completed a PhD.at the University of Toronto. While in Ontario Marilyn worked in policy development, and volunteered with Moorelands, a charity serving inner city children and youth. Marilyn and her husband retired to Victoria in 1999 and since then she has been active on a number of not for profit volunteer boards, including the YM/YWCA, Camosun College, the St. George’s Housing Society and the Association of Engineers and Geoscientists of B.C.
Marilyn very much looks forward to learning more about the important work of the Shelbourne Community Kitchen.
Starting 1st Year of 1st Term – Term ends 2027
DON STORCH - DIRECTOR
Don is a member of the Human Resources & Nominations Committees Don has been a member and supporter of the Kitchen since its inception. He brings to the Board his many years of experience as a board member of health, social service, correction and education organizations. In 2008 he received an Order of Canada for his extensive volunteer work. He is an avid gardener and “plants a row” for The Kitchen each year. He is a retired social worker. His wife Janet was the Program Director at the school of Nursing at University of Victoria before her retirement. They have 3 adult children and 4 grandchildren.
Starting 2nd Year of 2nd Term – Term ends 2026
Our Staff
Kim Cummins - executive director
Tyler Akis - program coordinator
