The Richmond Christmas Fund has a new head elf, after Bhreandáin Clugston was named the program’s new manager.
Clugston is best known in the community as the former editor of The Richmond Review, which ceased publication in the summer of 2015. He’s also served on Richmond Cares Richmond Gives’ board of directors.
“It’s great to be back in Richmond,” said Clugston, who started in the new role last week. “I have bumped into a lot of familiar faces that I haven’t seen in a while.”
Clugston said he is excited to get going with the charity that was started in the 1930s by former Review editor Ethel Tibbets.
Clugston will lead a small team of staff, along with nearly 200 volunteers, in planning and delivering one of Richmond’s longest-running social service programs.
“The fund is getting busier and busier with a greater need for it,” he said. “Last year, 2,211 low-income Richmond residents received grocery gift cards. That was up by 28 per cent over 2014.”
Some may be shocked to hear those numbers, given the amount of high-priced real estate in the city.
“A lot of people think Richmond is a wealthy community, but certainly a lot of people who live here struggle from paycheque to paycheque,” Clugston said. “And the Christmas Fund is an important way to brighten the holidays for these families.”
The Christmas Fund is operated by Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives (RCRG). In addition to providing grocery vouchers during the holiday season, the fund distributes toys, books, sports equipment, and gift cards to children under 18 in low-income families.
“We take great pride in running the Christmas Fund,” said Ed Gavsie, president and CEO of RCRG. “But it’s also a big responsibility. In Bhreandáin, we’ve found somebody with the experience and demeanour to lead the program, during a time when the number of people accessing the Christmas Fund is on the rise.
“Bhreandáin knows our organization,” Gavsie added. “More importantly, though, he knows Richmond. The Christmas Fund relies on extensive community support — from volunteers, donors, and partner agencies. Bhreandáin’s background makes him the perfect person to engage community stakeholders, and build further support for the program.”
Christmas Fund registration begins on Nov. 26, at the Richmond Caring Place. For more information on how to support the program, or receive assistance, visit online at RCRG.org.
