“Without volunteers, organizations would be so much weaker.”
This is the level of respect Ed Gavsie, president of Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives (RCRG), has for the volunteers in his organization and the community.
According to Gavsie, non-profit or charitable organizations depend “heavily” on volunteers to achieve their goals in the community.
“Without the literally tens and thousands of volunteer hours people put in, no organization would be able to offer services to the community,” said Gavsie.
“They’re not only spreading the message, but they’re also doing important work to allow the services to reach to residents most in need.”
With National Volunteer Week (April 24 to 30) just around the corner, RCRG is once again highlighting local volunteers who have shown extreme empathy, compassion and generosity to the community.
RCRG recognizes its volunteers through its annual Volunteers Are Awards program, which has been around for more than 20 years.
Gavsie told the Richmond News there are 18 nominees for the award this year, six of whom are youth.
“To see that many youth nominated by their organizations just means that Richmond has a healthy future for volunteerism,” said Gavsie, adding that encouraging more youth to volunteer is a constant goal.
“It’s very encouraging to me and to us in the volunteer sector to see that many youth being recognized alongside other outstanding volunteers.”
He described volunteers as people who put in time and effort to support what they have a passion for.
“Whether it’s a few hours a month or a few hours a week, every individual who makes an effort to volunteer is doing so for the benefit of their community.”
Having volunteered for more than 40 years in the community, Gavsie said it is gratitude that makes his work meaningful.
“To be able to interact with individuals, many of whom are in need, and to see the gratitude is one of the best parts about being a volunteer,” said Gavsie.
“Just to see the gratitude and (people) expressing their thanks has been a really tremendous reward for me … and it’s that one interaction with people that suddenly you know you have made an impact in their lives.”
