For every nonprofit that relies on the time given by volunteers to support their mission, every moment matters.
This year, National Volunteer Week, which runs from April 14 to 20, is highlighting the steadfast commitment and contributions of volunteers from coast to coast. To that end, organizations across B.C. will be recognizing and celebrating the impact of those generous individuals whose fundamental efforts are strengthening the communities they serve.
If you want to get more involved in your community but don’t know how or where to get started, here’s a list of a few organizations in Richmond that are looking for new volunteers to support their causes.
Richmond Hospital Healthcare Auxiliary Thrift Shop
The Richmond Hospital / Healthcare Auxiliary’s (RHHA) mission is to provide extra comfort and care for patients at Richmond Hospital, Minoru and Lions Manor Long-Term Care Residences. Currently, the RHHA has more than 440 “red coat” volunteers who generously donate their time, talent and skills in many areas – such as the operation of the Auxiliary’s Thrift Shop.
Located in Steveston, the Thrift Shop serves people in the Richmond area and beyond who are interested in shopping for second-hand items at bargain prices. The Shop accepts donations of gently-used goods and re-sells them to the general public.
Through donated items, people on a limited budget can often clothe a family or obtain household items for very little money. For others, there are great bargains to be had on almost anything, including name-brand items and collectible antiques. In the shop, shoppers can find clothing, shoes, jewellery, housewares, hardware and tools, electronics, sporting goods, books, toys, games, craft supplies, pet supplies, seasonal items, collectibles and many other treasures.
The Auxiliary’s Thrift Shop is fully operated by over 150 male and female volunteers, ranging from ages 16 to 92. “Red coat” volunteers are responsible for sorting, inspecting, pricing and displaying all second-hand merchandise, as well as checking out purchases and interacting with customers. The Thrift Shop is currently accepting new volunteers, from teenagers looking for volunteer experiences, to retirees looking to stay connected with their community. Volunteers who can speak a second language, such as French, Mandarin, Spanish, or Dutch, are welcome to serve Richmond’s multicultural demographic. Volunteers can pick their days and hours, making it a flexible opportunity for those who have a few hours to spare each week or who can come once a month.
Proceeds from the Thrift Shop support the Richmond Hospital, Minoru Residence and Lions Manor through assistance with medical equipment purchases and facilitating patient care programs.
The Auxiliary Thrift Shop is located at 3731 Chatham Street. Find out more about volunteering at www.rhhaux.ca or call the Shop during business hours at 604-271-1551.
City of Richmond
In honour of National Volunteer Week, the City of Richmond is celebrating the valuable contributions of their network of community volunteers.
It’s through the countless hours given and incredible skills shared by volunteers that the City of Richmond can continue to deliver vital programs and services throughout the municipality, including library services, sports and recreation programs, the arts, public safety and special events (such as the Steveston Salmon Festival). The strong sense of volunteerism among Richmond residents helps the city maintain a vibrant, safe and collaborative community.
Community members of all age groups, including youth, adults and seniors, looking for opportunities to help others, connect with people in their community, and get involved in their city are invited to explore the volunteer roles available through the City of Richmond at icanhelp.richmond.ca,
Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives
As experts on the volunteer landscape in Richmond, the team at Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives (RCRG) manages a comprehensive online database of local volunteer opportunities.
Updated regularly with positions from dozens of non-profit and community groups, RCRG’s database helps connect residents of all ages and backgrounds with fun, rewarding, and meaningful ways to volunteer and give back. Richmond residents can discover volunteer opportunities that match their personal skills, interests, and availability, and then apply for these roles directly through the RCRG website. By centralizing, streamlining, and simplifying the process of becoming a volunteer, RCRG is making it easier for people to get involved in their community and support the causes they care about.
In recognition of this year’s National Volunteer Week campaign, “Every Moment Matters,” RCRG is launching a public art project, featuring a large cartoon map of Richmond that incorporates photos of local volunteers. The artwork will be on display at the Richmond Caring Place from April 14 to 20. Community members can send their volunteer photos and stories to [email protected], so they can be added to the map and shared on RCRG’s social media channels.
Discover volunteer opportunities in Richmond at www.rcrg.org/VolunteerNow.
Gilmore Gardens
Volunteers are a key part of Gilmore Gardens, as it is through their kind efforts and giving nature that members of the independent living retirement residence can continue to lead purposeful and engaged lives. Over 45 volunteers contribute their time, share their talents, and make a difference in this thriving community.
For volunteers from the residence and from the greater Richmond community, volunteering is a wonderful way to get involved and make connections through shared passions at Gilmore Gardens. When a resident first moves into the residence, they are welcomed by resident ambassadors who assist newcomers in adjusting to their new home. As they settle in, they will enjoy the energetic leadership of volunteers through one of the many programs and activities offered at Gilmore Gardens. Some of these offerings include walking groups, arts and crafts sessions, discussion groups, cake and tea time, and monthly birthday celebrations.
Before they know it, new residents may be sharing their own expertise, such as Gilmore Gardens resident Roger, who began leading guitar sing-a-longs in the evenings within a couple of weeks of his arrival. Soon, he was headlining a group of community volunteers carolling from floor-to-floor during Christmastime. Even Errol, the husband of long-time Gilmore Gardens staff member Angela, decided to get in on the fun by leading a monthly sing-a-long with residents.
Gilmore Gardens is looking forward to honouring their volunteers with a special thank you celebration during National Volunteer Week, as well as inviting volunteers to their annual garden planting day in May. Richmond residents who are interested in supporting the Gilmore Gardens community as a volunteer are encouraged to reach out at verveseniorliving.com/gilmore-gardens.
