Alan Brakefield – CVBS – Board Chair

Alan retired in 2022 after a 34-year career as a computer programmer, quality control, and data analytics professional. He as served on various youth athletic boards, church boards and for a short time as a director for a Victoria housing society.  This has given him exposure to budgeting and strategic planning responsibilities. His coaching experience and national certifications enabled him to create many positive environments for individuals and groups to successfully meet their individual and team goals. What he enjoys most is seeing people he works with excel in their day-to-day work activities. When he is not doing board related activities or volunteering at the food bank, he enjoys spending time with his wife skiing, gardening and long walks with their dog Zo.

Stephen Sjoberg – CVBS – Vice Chair

“Stephen grew up in Duncan and has returned after a long and fulfilling career as a counselor and program manager for vulnerable youth in the Lower Mainland of Vancouver. Stephen brings a wealth of volunteering experience to the CVBS. He was the President of Volunteer Burnaby and Volunteer Grandparents for 17 years and a soccer coach and referee for 25 years. Stephen believes that every member of our community should have access to healthy food and a place where they can feel safe, welcomed and valued. Stephen’s family has a long history of contributing to this community and he is proud to be able to continue that legacy with his involvement with the CVBS.”

Greg Candy – CVBS Board Treasurer

Greg was born, raised and educated in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). He had a varied career in health care, initially qualifying and working as a pharmacist and after completing a MBA worked in private hospital management followed by management consulting with Deloitte (South Africa). Greg immigrated to the Island with his family in 1993 where he returned to his pharmacist roots as an owner/operator of a number of drugstores in Port Alberni, Duncan and Victoria. He has lived in the Cowichan Valley since 2003. With his business background, the treasurer role is a natural fit for him. What inspires Greg to volunteer and be on the board is the ongoing passion and commitment of all the staff and volunteers to fulfil the mission of CVBS, with the example being set by the ED.

Joyce van de Graaf –  CVBS -Board Secretary

Joyce has always had a heart for helping those in need.  Volunteering at the kiosk and serving on the board for the CVBS is one of her joys.  She also loves her family, church, hiking, biking, and knitting.

Beryl Dickey – CVBS Director

A long life filled with varied experiences drives my desire to see this  wonderful organization fill its self-mandated, and increasingly  desperately needed, role in our community. A background in retail, of helping people, aids my volunteer role as host at CVBS.

Heidi Paul – CVBS Director

Heidi’s background in Education contributes to her passion that all members of a community and especially young people have access to healthy food. Strong families build strong communities.Heidi is on the Sandwich Team and the Hamper Team. Heidi enjoys walking, reading and travelling.

Henry Wikkerink – CVBS Executive Director

Henry has served as Executive Director of the Cowichan Valley Basket Society since 2021. Raised in the Cowichan Valley, Henry has a long history of service in the community, both through professional work and volunteer efforts, giving him deep insight into local needs and challenges.

With a strong commitment to dignity, equity, and community collaboration, he provides strategic and operational leadership to support individuals and families experiencing food insecurity. Under his guidance, CVBS continues to ensure reliable access to nutritious food, foster a welcoming and respectful environment for all guests, strengthen community partnerships, and advocate for sustainable solutions to hunger in the region.