About Do Gooders
Do Gooders was born out of a strong desire to create a positive impact by supporting charities and not-for-profits and their social missions. We improve organizations sustainability and empower them to succeed. We support charities and raise awareness so, ultimately, they can raise more funds and grow their impact in the community. When we work together, we really can do a great deal of good.
Friends we’ve worked with:
Peachland Wellness Centre
Strathcona Nordic Ski Club
Mission Statement
Our mission is to empower not-for-profit organizations by delivering exceptional resource development services, aimed at raising awareness, fostering community support, and amplifying social impact.
Through our dedicated efforts, we strive to provide unparalelled assistance that helps charities thrive and create lasting positive change.
Our Values
We believe our shared dedication, passion, and skills will make a tangible impact on the organizations we serve.
Integrity
We believe in being honest and showing a consistent and uncompromising adherence to strong moral and ethical principles and values.
Reliability
We are trustworthy, perform consistently well, and deliver on time and on budget.
Impact
“Never underestimate the valuable and important difference you make in every life you touch for the impact you make today has a powerful rippling effect on every tomorrow.” Leon Brown
Meet the Team
Kathleen Lemieux, CFRE
Founder, CEO
Kathleen Lemieux is a dynamic fundraising professional and a seasoned leader with over two decades of experience in the not-for-profit sector. Her track record is punctuated by a series of strategic successes in developing and executing fundraising plans. A certified fundraising professional and a longstanding 20-year member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), Kathleen is also one of the founding members of the AFP BC Interior Chapter. Her dedication extends to serving on the National Philanthropy Committee.
Kathleen’s commitment to professional development led her to complete the Boston University Professional Fundraising Program, culminating in the attainment of her CFRE designation in 2015. Furthermore, she is a certified digital marketer who remains at the forefront of the latest trends and platforms in the ever-evolving digital landscape.
Throughout her career, Kathleen has played a pivotal role in spearheading fundraising and awareness campaigns for prominent organizations such as Habitat for Humanity Okanagan, the Kelowna Women’s Shelter, and the Pacific Riding for Developing Abilities Association. Notably, she served as the Director of Logistics for Loyal Woolridge’s successful 2018 campaign for Kelowna city council.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Kathleen was nominated by her peers in 2020 for a “Crowe MacKay LLP Change Maker Award,” in collaboration with the inaugural Kelowna Women in Business RISE AWARDS. Her dedication and impact were further acknowledged in 2023 when she received an Honourable Distinction and was honored as one of the “Top 40 over 40” by the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce.
Do Gooders was awarded as a 2022 finalist ‘Rising Star Business of the Year’ by the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce during their 35th Business Excellence Awards and was nominated again in 2023.
Patricia Asaka
Social Media and Google Ads Manager
Patricia is an aspiring humanitarian with a bachelor’s degree in International Relations from the University of British Columbia.
With a keen interest in digital marketing, Patricia has successfully completed Alacrity Canada’s Digital Marketing Bootcamp and holds the Google Search Ads certification. She is committed to staying at the forefront of the rapidly evolving digital marketing landscape.
Combining her vibrant creativity, content creation skills, and passion for making a difference, Patricia collaborates closely with various nonprofit organizations to amplify the impact of their missions.
She firmly believes in the power of storytelling and effective digital strategies to drive positive change and connect people in our ever-changing world.
Emma Webb
Grant Researcher and Writer
Emma is a grant writer with a passion for written content and research. Emma has a special interest in mental health charities. She has 7+ years experience researching and preparing grant applications and has successfully secured funding for a number of not-for-profits across the region including the Kelowna Women’s Shelter, Connect Counselling & Therapy Central Okanagan, H.O.P.E., and Central Okanagan Elizabeth Fry Society.
Outside of work, Emma enjoys a number of creative pursuits including knitting, macramé, woodworking, and interior decorating. Emma has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of British Columbia.
Jithin Ayinickal
Web Developer
Jithin is a web developer with a keen interest in Web User Experience and Cybersecurity. He has designed and developed several websites for small businesses and non-profits across Canada and the U.S. His expertise ranges from structuring, developing and implementing interactive and secure websites using WordPress. Jithin loves to work collaboratively and is always eager to learn new web standards and trends.
When not working, Jithin can be found enjoying the Okanagan, – especially the trails and the wineries.
Cheryl Farmer
Grant Writer
Cheryl has spent many rewarding years assisting women entrepreneurs achieve their financial and business aspirations. Prior to that, she was a teacher, a researcher and a college instructor. She is now moving into consulting and working more on a project basis writing grant proposals, developing curriculum, delivering workshops and working on other special projects. Cheryl’s goal is to continue helping not-for-profits and small businesses in the work they do.
Her Master’s degree in Continuing Education specialized in Workplace Learning. She also holds a certificate in Conflict Resolution from the Justice Institute of BC.
With time now to ‘lean out’ Cheryl enjoys camping, mountain biking and watching her flowers grow.
Vi Sorenson
Grant Writer
Vi has been working in the non-profit sector in Kelowna for more than two decades, providing services to women and children, families, and seniors. She has a Bachelor of Social Work degree and has been involved in a variety of City committees and community groups both, locally and provincially.
During this time she has participated in various grant review committees, including the Regional Review Committee, New Horizons for Seniors. She has extensive, successful grant writing experience particularly for funding programs and services for seniors. Having recently left a long term executive director role, she is now seeking to assist senior serving non-profits throughout the province and beyond, to secure funding for programming for older adults.
Michelle Novakowski
Grant Writer
Michelle has over 30- years experience focusing on community development and working to end violence against women. She is the former executive director of the Central Okanagan Elizabeth Fry Society where she led from 2013 to 2020. Michelle was also the Regional Coordinator, Community Coordination for the Women Safety Program for Ending Violence Association of BC from 2005 to 2013.
Other career highlights include working with the RCMP and municipal police to develop the first province-wide “third party reporting” protocol for reporting sexual assaults anonymously. In collaboration with Kelowna, BC RCMP Detachment she developed the first in BC Embedded Domestic Violence with Community-Based Victim Services working out of the detachment.
Michelle developed and facilitated three-day training on identifying and responding to risk in domestic violence cases. She also developed and facilitated workshop, “Developing a collaborative response to sexual assault” for hospital, police, victim services and transition house workers.
Michelle provided core victim service training through the Justice Institute of BC, and she provided workshops on Vicarious Traumatization across BC and Canada
Ivana Jazic
Grant Writer
Ivana is an experienced grant writer based in Ontario, Canada, with a strong track record of securing funding for various organizations. With nearly four years of experience, she has successfully worked with for-profit organizations, non-profits, and municipalities, securing grants of all sizes.
Ivana holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology from the University of Toronto, combined with her Post-Graduate Diploma in Business Administration.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Ivana is known for her genuine love for animals. As an avid animal lover, she has two cats and actively supports animal welfare organizations in her community. Her dedication to both her work and her furry friends showcases her compassionate nature and commitment to making a difference.
Kimera Andrades
Social Media and Google Ads Grant Coordinator
Kimera is a perpetual learner who leverages her creative and analytical abilities to make an impact in the world of digital marketing. She holds certifications in digital marketing, a Post-Graduate Diploma in Business Administration with a specialization in marketing, and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Public Relations and Corporate Communication. Her exceptional writing and editing skills are evident in her
mastering four languages and her continuous love for learning new languages and cultures.
She brings out her artistic side by exploring various arts such as knitting, weaving, painting, etc. and by being an avid reader. She loves travelling and has visited more than 25 countries! Her motto in life is to be kind and compassionate and to use her talents for the good of humanity.
