Anchored Here: Claire MacLean
If you’re unsure who the ideal non-profit CEO would be, meet Claire MacLean. Claire is the CEO of the SHARE Family & Community Services Society, a Tri-Cities non-profit that provides social programs to support the needs of local residents. She joined the SHARE team back in 2016, bringing her enthusiasm and extensive experience at grassroots organizations with her.
As an Albertan gal, Claire grew up with a love of the outdoors and helping others. Claire’s career path moved her all over Canada and included time as a daycare worker, speech language pathologist, and civil servant. She is now happily living in the Tri-Cities, raising two young children with her BC-born husband. Claire’s holistic approach to problem-solving quickly earned her the title of CEO at SHARE. A dream job that allows her to help her community and be an example to her kids, every day.
At SHARE, they don’t support in a single way. SHARE supports residents in need in all aspects of life. Claire believes that vulnerable people do better if you wrap your services around them. People are not one dimensional, and that’s why SHARE offers services for all unique situations (mental health, financial health, newcomer assistance). Started in 1972, SHARE is uniquely rooted in its ability to see a need and provide a helping hand, which makes someone like Claire an ideal leader.
We met Claire online, due to COVID restrictions, but her warmth and energy were apparent, even from a distance. As we always do in these interviews, we asked Claire what anchors her to Port Moody (and the Tri-cities) and here are her five authentic answers:
How do you contribute to the social development of Port Moody?
SHARE Society has a long history of supporting the Port Moody community & residents. As CEO of SHARE, I am privileged to be a part of that legacy. We are here for Port Moody residents during times of vulnerability, whether it be the current COVID-19 crisis, or other issues related to financial stress, mental health concerns, parenting challenges, aging and supporting aging parents, and more.
What values should we stand for as a community?
The wellness of our community is a shared responsibility. How we shoulder this responsibility, particularly in acknowledging and supporting those who are most vulnerable, defines us.
Describe the most authentic moment you’ve witnessed during your time here.
When I see recipients at the SHARE Food Bank offering some of their food to another Food Bank client, because they think that family could use it more, I am truly touched. The human instinct to care for one another is profound and even those in our community who are struggling the most, are sometimes the most generous and compassionate.
What kind of legacy do you intend on leaving behind?
My responsibility is to continue SHARE's legacy. To ensure that SHARE remains here to help those in need in Port Moody. That we are a source of pride and support for everyone who lives here.
What ultimately anchors you here?
My work. My family. Our gorgeous surroundings. The degree of compassion and connection our community members extend.
This pandemic is a difficult time for everyone. If you’re in the position to donate, please visit SHARE’s website to learn how.