Bobby Singh rarely attends meetings and has asked not to be included in regular email updates. But his value to the KidSport Richmond chapter is immense.
The non-profit organization recently honoured the Richmond native and former B.C. Lion with a plaque for his five years of volunteer work in making the annual Creating Community Champions Gala annual fundraiser gala a huge success. This year’s event — held back in March at the Hilton Vancouver Hotel — raised a record $74,500.
“Our first banquet in 2014 was not sold out and raised about $25,000. To assist us we appointed Bobby as our Honorary Chair. Every year since we have been sold out,” explained KidSport Richmond Chair Bob Jackson.
“Each year Bobby has sold five or six tables to high profile people. He has solicited many silent and live auction items. Usually about 50 percent of the gala host athletes have been recruited by Bobby.”
Singh didn’t want to be front and centre with the organization, rather utilize his contacts in the sports and business communities in a low key role.
“I told them I don’t want to be part of the regular group e-mails unless they are important then include me,” laughed Singh, a father of three. “My goal is sell a (certain) amount of tables. I will get you sponsors and I will get you athletes.
“It’s a no brainer doing this. I grew up here and KidSport is supporting kids and those who are less fortunate. My parents were hard workers and we couldn’t afford everything but my dad made it work. Now a days, with hockey and other sports, it all adds up. We just want to make it easier, especially for the single parents living in Richmond.”
Singh’s wife Alexa also volunteers by looking after the gala ticket sales. “Anything else I find too difficult to do I give that to her as well,” Singh chuckled.
A two-sport star for the Richmond Colts, Singh, 43, earned a football scholarship to the University of Hawaii. His pro career included winning championships in three leagues — NFL (St. Louis Rams, 1999), XFL (LA Xtreme, 2001) and CFL (B.C. Lions 2006).
He is also active in fundraising for the Richmond Hospital Foundation.
