Do you know what day it will be in 96 days’ time?
Yep, we should not be talking about it before the official end of summer, but some organizations, such as the Richmond Christmas Fund, don’t have the luxury of waiting until we start chopping down trees and hanging lights on t hem.
Each festive season, the fund — which is a program out of Volunteer Richmond Information Services —distributes grocery vouchers to nearly 2,000 low-income Richmond residents and provides more than 700 children under 15 with toys, books, and gift cards.
Last year, 278 volunteers contributed 2,300 hours to the program, assisting with family registration, toy distribution, data entry, gift wrapping, and fundraising events.
“The impact volunteers have on the Christmas Fund can’t be overstated,” says Elizabeth Specht, executive director of Volunteer Richmond, in a news release.
“It’s not just that they do an incredible job — it’s how they do the job. There’s a passion and enthusiasm they bring to the program.
“It’s inspiring, because you can see how much being involved in the Christmas Fund means to them.”
Volunteer opportunities are available as toy room assistants, toy sorters and data entry assistants.
There are also many openings for gift wrappers, who, throughout December, provide the service at Richmond Centre and Lansdowne Centre, in exchange for donations to the Christmas Fund.
“We strive to make the volunteer experience as rewarding as possible,” added Specht.
“Each job is unique, but all jobs are important… we want all volunteers to know that they’re making a difference – to the Christmas Fund, and to the families we support.”
People of all ages are invited to volunteer, though those under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
Training will take place from mid-October to late November.
To apply for a volunteer position with the Richmond Christmas Fund, visit www.volunteerrichmond.ca or call 604-279-7035.
