It may be a little early to set up your Christmas tree, but you can still get in the holiday spirit, by volunteering with the Richmond Christmas Fund.
A program of charity Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives (RCRG), the fund assists low-income families during the holiday season, providing them with grocery vouchers, toys, books, sports equipment and gift cards.
The program needs to be supported annually by close to 200 volunteers and RCRG is always looking to bolster that number in order to service a growing need.
The fund mobilizes the community’s spirit of giving to make holiday wishes come true for 2,000 low-income Richmond residents each year.
Those who register with the program receive grocery vouchers, while children under 18 also receive toys, books, sports equipment and gift cards.
“In 2016, we had 193 volunteers,” said Ed Gavsie, president and CEO of RCRG.
“Together, they contributed 3,425 hours to the Christmas Fund. Because of their commitment and hard work, we were able to brighten the holidays for 1,735 of our neighbours in need.”
The fund expects to serve similar numbers this year, with help from volunteers new and old.
“We’re incredibly lucky, because many of our volunteers have been with us for a long time,” said Gavsie.
“They know the program inside and out, and play an important leadership role. But the Christmas Fund has gotten so big over the years that an annual volunteer recruitment drive is necessary. We need all the help we can get.”
This year, volunteers will support the Christmas Fund in a number of ways: during client registration, in the Toy Room and at a variety of fundraising events.
A complete list of volunteer opportunities is available online at RCRG.org, along with an online application form. Volunteer training will take place in October and early November, in preparation for the start of the fund on Nov. 25.
