The 90th annual Richmond Christmas Fund helped more than 2,000 residents this year.
Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives (RCRG), which organizes the program to help low-income families celebrate the winter holidays, provided help to 2,820 residents in 2022.
According to RCRG, this is a 20 per cent increase from 2021 where families received grocery vouchers, toys and gift cards.
"We know, generally, why more people are accessing the Christmas Fund: inflation, the lingering effects of the pandemic, etc," said RCRG in a media statement.
"Knowing the reasons why, however, doesn't alleviate the need. It simply gives context to a sobering fact: many of our fellow community members are struggling."
The RCMP Annual Toy Drive received toys to benefit 857 children through the Christmas Fund program, and the A Not So Silent Night auction raised over $110,000.
Richmond Auto Mall's Windows of Hope campaign also raised $37,500.
RCRG added that the program has accomplished a lot through the program and is more proud "of the community that's made it all possible."
In addition to several fundraiser events for the program, RCRG is extending its thanks to this year's Christmas Fund Angel Donors who made monetary donations towards the program.
