The Richmond Christmas Fund hopes to share the joy of the holiday season once again this year, and this time its adding an extra day for registration.
Richmond residents, providing the proper documentation for eligibility, now have the opportunity to sign up to receive toy donations and grocery vouchers on any of the 10 days, beginning this Saturday, Dec. 1 to Saturday, Dec. 15.
We added that extra day partly because weve seen the need increase, said Volunteer Richmond Information Services general manager Jocelyn Wong. But also because we wanted to provide that extra Saturday for those who cant make the other times.
To kick off the registration period, Lansdowne Centre hosts the second annual Richmond Christmas Fund Drive-Thru event in its parking lot near Lansdowne Skytrain Station on Thursday, Nov. 29 from 6 a.m. to noon.
Morning commuters who stop by to donate new toys, books, cash or gift certificates receive a free coffee and McDonalds muffin in return.
If muffins run out, McDonalds coupons for a coffee and muffin will be offered.
Donors are also welcome to hang around and mingle, as 103.5 QM/FM will broadcast live and there may be an opportunity for some free giveaways.
Shoppers can also do their part Thursday by purchasing from businesses participating in The Day of Giving. On this day, businesses involved donate a percentage of their sales to the Christmas Fund.
These events are about community engagement and showing the community how they can give, said Wong.
The fund seeks to remove the economic burden of the holiday season by supplying Richmondites with toys and books for children under the age of 13, shopping centre gift certificates for teens between 13 and 15, and a grocery voucher so each family can enjoy a holiday meal.
Despite its name, the fund serves more than 2,000 residents of all faiths and ideologies, and isnt limited to those who celebrate Christmas.
We want every child to enjoy the season, said Wong.
So that when they go back to school theyll be able to tell people what they got over the holidays as well.
For more information on registration dates, to register or to donate, call 604-279-7020 or visit www.volunteerrichmond.ca.
For a list of Day of Giving participants, visit dayofgiving.ca.
