Vol 'n' tell

Much has been said about video and its increasingly prominent role in non-profit communications. It's a powerful storytelling medium, so, as equipment and software have become cheaper and easier to use, it only makes sense that organizations have jumped on the moving picture bandwagon. The sheer number of videos produced, however, means that the vast majority go unnoticed. We’ve tasked volunteer writer Ray Wang with uncovering some of the hidden – and, on occasion, not so hidden – gems of the non-profit video world. He’ll be back each month with five new selections.

Strathcona BIA Resource Exchange: From Scrappy to Sassy

 

 

As the saying goes, one person’s trash is another’s treasure. This video, highlighting the Strathcona Business Improvement Association’s Resource Exchange Program, reveals how a business’s “waste” can be extremely useful to people, such as local artists. The video shows how recipients of said waste, by getting creative, are able to design new products from materials destined for the dump. I think this is a great way for businesses to engage with community members, and illustrates how both sides can use their resources (waste on the one hand, creativity on the other) to make their community greener!

 

Children Need a Bailout Too

 

 

Unlike other campaigns, where the commercial is more serious and emotional, this simple ad uses humour, alongside facts, to encourage the U.S. government to provide health coverage for the nine million children that don’t have it. The video clearly states the benefits of children having health insurance (healthy children perform better in school, making them more likely to grow into productive members of society), as well as the low cost of the plan ($1 per American per week), both of which should appeal to the target audience (U.S citizens).

 

Youth Economic Empowerment in Sierra Leone

 

 

This campaign differs from others by emphasizing that people in less developed countries not only require basic necessities, but proper education so they can one day become skilled and productive workers. By utilizing a woman’s story in the video, Plan Canada helps viewers understand the extreme conditions that the people of Sierra Leone are facing and how higher education can truly benefit them!

 

Help-Portrait BC Children's Hospital 2011: Ian

 

 

When people think of charity, they often think about monetary donations. But charity can take many forms, even something as simple as a kind gesture that brightens a person’s day. Help-Portrait Vancouver has undoubtedly shown that, using their skills in photography and film to spread happiness amongst staff and families at BC Children’s Hospital. From my perspective, the video is trying to encourage people of various backgrounds (music, film, art, etc…) to leverage their skills to bring joy to those who are in need.

 

Not for Sale PSA/Show Information!

 

 

The intro to this video works particularly well, emphasizing how $5 is next to nothing to a regular person, yet is still enough to impact a life. Brought to you by a couple of YouTube celebrities, the video draws attention to a very important issue in today’s world: human-trafficking. I think the most effective aspect of the video is when the celebrities compare the population and monetary value of the human-trafficking industry to Toronto and several large multi-nationals, respectively. The comparison creates a contrast in the viewer’s mind and demonstrates, in sobering fashion, the true scope of this troubling issue.

 

If you're not a family caregiver yourself, chances are you know somebody who is. It's a challenging job, one that doesn't involve a pay cheque. It's done, instead, out of a sense of responsibility. More than that, though, it's done out of love. Carol Dickson, Manager of Volunteer Richmond's Seniors Community Support Services, explains why family caregivers - especially this week - deserve our support and our thanks.  

Family Caregiver Week is a chance to support and show appreciation to family caregivers. It also raises awareness throughout BC about the issues facing caregivers and care-receivers alike. Caregivers are indeed the unsung heroes in our community who deserve our admiration all year round!

 

There are an estimated 2.7 million family caregivers across Canada. Together, they play an indispensable role in the health care system. Rosie O'Beirne / Flickr

On May 2, Volunteer Richmond launched the Caregivers Education and Support Program, once a week series, for the first time in Cantonese. We recognize that language shouldn’t be a barrier to receiving assistance with this important work. At this time one-on-one support is available in English, Cantonese and Mandarin just by calling 604-279-7020.

Vancouver Coastal Health is also recognizing the contributions of caregivers by putting on a free special event called “Take a Break…Relax, Learn and Have Fun". It is on May 12 from 10:00 am to 3:00pm. Interested Caregivers should call Bulent at 604-877-4650.

Is your organization a volunteer magnet? Or an impenetrable fortress that keeps volunteers out? Hopefully it's not the latter, but if you think it might be, volunteer writer Ray Wang has some tips on how to make your organization more volunteer-friendly.

Volunteering, that selfless act carried out by 13.3 million Canadians, is, unfortunately, easier said than done. According to Stats Canada, several barriers deter Canadians from volunteering:

• Insufficient time


• Inability to commit long-term


• Not being asked to volunteer


• Uncertainty regarding how to become involved


• Physical or health issues

 
Fortunately, there are several ways to overcome these barriers. To begin with, organizations must develop a distinct message that clearly states why they’re worthy of support. According the 2000 National Survey of Giving, Volunteering, and Participating (NSGVP), 95% of respondents were motivated to volunteer because of an organization’s mission and goals. Simply put, organizations that effectively communicate with potential volunteers will be more likely to recruit them. A mission statement that clearly describes an organization’s purpose and strategy can also be helpful when recruiting volunteers.

In addition to formulating and marketing a strong cause, organizations can generate interest from would-be volunteers by emphasizing the benefits of volunteering. Volunteering, for example, allows individuals to utilize their skills and experience in a non-profit setting, which proved to be an important factor for 81% of the respondents in the 2000 NSGVP. Thus, it is vital for organizations to highlight the areas in which volunteers can contribute.

Equally important is understanding the strengths of a volunteer prior to assigning a task. An article written by Invup, a company developing a web-platform to help businesses manage their community involvement, nicely illustrates this point. In the article, it's suggested that a volunteer with a background in technology infrastructure would be best utilized if he were he placed in a position that matched his skill set, ideally something to do with IT. Unlike tasks such as stuffing envelopes, entering data or filing papers (which, let's be clear, are still very important), tasks that challenge volunteers make them feel valued, and in turn, make them feel more passionate about what they're doing.

 

The onus is on non-profit organizations to make volunteering a simple, straightforward process, and that means removing as many barriers as possible. NathanF / Flickr

  
Another way organizations can break down barriers to volunteering is by demonstrating how their cause affects the entire community. In the 2000 NSGVP, 59% of respondents said that one of the main reasons they volunteered was because they, or someone they knew, was directly affected by the organization. Therefore, organizations should connect with local residents and show how their work impacts individuals in the community. An efficient way of communicating with local residents is by leveraging social media such as Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. Today, many non-profit organizations such as Kiva, Water.org, and Livestrong are utilizing Twitter to reach out to individuals over the Internet! In addition, organizations can sign up with YouTube’s Non-profit Program to broadcast their cause to local supporters, donors, and volunteers at a low cost!

While it's true that physical and/or mental disabilities can present barriers to volunteering, they certainly don't have to. Indeed, there are numerous ways for people living with disabilities to contribute to the community, as demonstrated by a report developed by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada:

• Canvassing, campaigning or fundraising


• Teaching, coaching, providing care or friendly visits through an organization


• Sitting as an unpaid member of a board or committee


• Collecting, serving or delivering food or other goods


• Consulting, executive, office or administrative work

 
Furthermore, individuals with disabilities can volunteer by doing work over the Internet such as online researching, blogging, managing social media, and/or video editing. For those who do not have Internet and/or computer access at home, local libraries such as the Brighouse Public Library and Ironwood Library are perfect places for volunteers to use the Internet and computers for free!

Even though there are many barriers that may discourage people from volunteering, with the assistance of social media, the Internet and internal management, non-profit organizations can do much to remove these obstacles. For those who have decided to continue volunteering or volunteer for the first time, be sure to visit Volunteer Richmond’s volunteer opportunities database!

Most superheroes don't get paid for what they do. Does that make them volunteers? Volunteer writer Benjamin Yong ponders this question, and suggests that the popularity of Spider-Man, Batman, and similar comic book characters could be used to inspire would-be volunteers to get involved.

In our everyday lives, whether we’re going to school, work, or both, we think we get to know the classmates and co-workers around us pretty well. But it may surprise you to learn that the girl who always sits near the teacher, or that guy in the office down the hall, both possess duel identities.

No, they’re not superheroes, but they’re doing their part to make the world a better place — through volunteering. Everyone has their own reasons for getting involved, and people from all walks of life take time out of their busy schedules to do everything from helping out at the local food bank to just spending some time with seniors.

But if you’ve yet to begin your volunteer journey – and need a little inspiration to get started – perhaps the fictional and fantastical world of superheroes is a good place to look. Because when you think about it, most superheroes, Spider-Man and Batman among them, are volunteers. Saving the world isn’t their day job; they do it free of charge.

Of course, I’m not suggesting you volunteer to fight crime. In fact, I highly advise against it. Such behaviour is best reserved for the pages of comic books and mostly mediocre movie adaptations of said comics.

What I am suggesting, though, is that you draw inspiration from superheroes: their selflessness, their dedication, their absolute determination to make the world a better place.

However you choose to get involved, you’ll be making a real difference in your community, and that’s more than can be said of any fictional superhero.

 

Your friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man is also a pretty inspirational volunteer. Brett Jordan / Flickr

 

If I’ve piqued your interest about the volunteer exploits of Spider-Man and Batman, then read on, as I’ve put together volunteer profiles for each!

Spider-Man

Alter Ego: Peter Parker

Claim to Fame: Ability to cling to walls, superhuman strength, speed and agility, sixth sense alerting him of danger and perfect balance and equilibrium.

Volunteerism: While trying to make ends meet as a college student and part-time photographer at the Daily Bugle newspaper (and keeping former-supermodel wife Mary Jane happy), he still finds time to clean up the streets of New York and keep supervillains like The Lizard and Sandman at bay.

Why He Does It: After initially becoming endowed with spider powers, Parker’s selfishness led to his uncle’s untimely death. From that day forward, he vowed to use his powers for the public good.

Catchphrase: “With great power comes great responsibility.”

Batman

Alter Ego: Bruce Wayne

Claim to Fame: Just a regular joe who is smart, rich and fit. Okay, REALLY smart, rich and fit. And good-looking. Considered one of the world’s greatest detective minds. Also has a lot of cool gadgets like his Batsuit, utility belt and, of course, the Batmobile.

Volunteerism: Fighting crime in his hometown of Gotham City, and beyond. Not only that, but Bruce Wayne is one of history’s greatest (fictional) philanthropists.

Why He Does It: As a child, he witnessed his parents' murder (heavy stuff, I know). This tragic event was the catalyst that spurred Bruce Wayne to become Batman, crime fighter extraordinaire.  

Catchphrase: "To the Batmobile!"

You don’t need to be a billionaire or swing from buildings to make a difference — just see what opportunities are available in your area. Community centres and schools are great places to start looking, and of course, so is Volunteer Richmond’s volunteer opportunities database.

 

How much garbage do we produce? Unscientific estimates place the amount somewhere between "a lot" and "more than you could possibly imagine." Science, however, has a more exact number: Canadians produced 13.4 million tonnes of trash in 2004, according to a Statistics Canada study. The bad news is that most of it - nearly 75% - went straight to landfills, which are quickly running out of capacity, and, through the release of methane gas, contribute to global warming. The good news is that the remaining 25% of waste was recycled, giving Mother Nature reason to smile. If we want this number to continue trending upward, it's important that our youngest citizens are taught the benefits of recycling. As volunteer writer Amanda Oye explains, that's precisely what's happening at the Richmond Child Care Resource & Referral Centre.

It’s easy to get caught up in the newest, fastest, prettiest things. Sometimes, though, we need to step back and appreciate what we already have.

This is a state of mind that Roseanne Law and Chris Lee, of Volunteer Richmond’s Child Care Resource & Referral Centre (CCRR), are trying to instill in child care providers by teaching them how to turn common household objects into creative projects.

“I want [children] to appreciate nature and what they have,” Roseanne says. “There’s too much waste.”

To demonstrate how unwanted items can be turned into works of art and fun games, Roseanne and Chris will be leading a workshop on Tuesday, May 8th as part of the CCRR’s spring 2012 training program.

 

Our Child Care Resource & Referral Centre's May 8th workshop will explore the countless ways recycled materials can be used in a child care setting. And yes, that is indeed a cat made out of dryer lint. Photo by Amanda Oye

 
Participants of the workshop will learn how to turn materials that would normally be thrown away into fun projects for kids.

“In the workshop, we would like to show child care providers and teachers how to select materials according to the children’s experience and interest,” Roseanne says. Items that can be used for projects include feathers, rocks, plastic gloves, and dryer lint.

According to Roseanne, working with recycled materials helps children develop decision making skills, as they must choose how to best utilize the materials they’re given.

Making toys from recycled materials is something that both Roseanne and Chris have a lot of experience with. When they were growing up they got used to being creative and making their own toys. “I tried to make kites from old newspapers and I needed to search for and collect other accessories that a kite needed,” Roseanne says. “In this process I found I developed an attitude of sustainability and learned how to reuse and recycle.”

This is a lesson that Roseanne and Chris hope to pass along at the workshop, noting that it can never be taught too early.

“Activities involving recycled materials can help teach children about environmental sustainability, which is a long-term goal that involves every individual. It is important to cultivate this approach as a habit and an attitude at a young age,” Roseanne says.

Chris suggests that child care providers “encourage children to draw pictures of how they use, or what happens when they use, the new objects to make up a story.”

She also suggests talking to the children about the projects, so they gain a better understanding of where the materials come from. “For example, before we make recycled paper, we can teach children we need to cut trees to make paper,” she says.

Reusing materials can also provide an endless amount of opportunities.

“Everything is interesting,” Chris says. “If you are getting bored of the objects you made, you can divide them and use those materials to make something new or add on some other materials.”

To register for the workshop please call 604-279-7020, or click here for more information.

It's good for businesses, it's good for employees, and it's great for communities. Volunteer writer Ray Wang charts the meteoric rise of corporate volunteering.

Can companies achieve their organizational goals by increasing their community involvement? The answer, it seems, is a resounding yes. One need only look to the rise of corporate social responsibility, and in particular, corporate volunteering. Over 82% of the 1,500 Canadian businesses that responded in a 2005 survey indicated that they supported employee volunteering. Moreover, according to VolunteerMatch.org, there are numerous benefits of corporate volunteering for the employee, corporation, and community:

Employee:

• Enhances job satisfaction, morale, and attitude.

   

• Encourages leadership and skill development.

Corporation:

• Creates strong brand awareness.

   

• Bolsters trust and loyalty from consumers.

   

• Improves corporate image and reputation.

Community:

• Provides skilled and talented volunteers to fulfill community needs, as employees are motivated to utilize their professional and personal skills for community purposes.

   

• Offers cost-efficiency for community service and non-profit organizations by eliminating recruiting and labour costs.

   

• Assists in bringing community needs into focus.

In addition to the aforementioned employee benefits of corporate volunteering, according to a survey conducted by Deloitte & Touche USA in 2009, 62% of Generation Y stated that they would prefer to work for companies that allowed them to contribute their skills and talents to non-profit organizations.

Furthermore, corporate volunteering can raise employee job satisfaction, as shown in a report published by Junior Achievement, an international non-profit organization that provides business and financial education to youth. In the report, 57% of employees surveyed felt that their workplace was above average or one of the best. This number increased to 63% once an employer-supported volunteer program had been implemented.

One way companies benefit from boosted job satisfaction is positive word of mouth: if employees like where they work, they’ll let others know. In the Junior Achievement report, 54% of employees that engaged in corporate volunteering stated that they would speak highly of their employer, as opposed to 49% prior to the introduction of corporate volunteering.

 

Starbucks employees flex their volunteer muscles during a daylong service project at Strathcona Community Centre in Vancouver.

 
A report developed by Imagine Canada indicates that one third of companies that support corporate volunteering feel that it enhances their public image. Furthermore, 21% of companies believe corporate volunteering increases employee morale, 17% think that it bolsters relations with the surrounding community, and 8% see it as a way to sustain a healthy community.

Indeed, Vancouver-based companies, such as ES3 Insurance Services Ltd., are taking action in motivating and encouraging their employees to give back to the community. Although ES3 is a small company with only 10 staff, it has made efforts to help the community by partnering with JustWork Economic Initiative, a Canadian non-profit organization that assists people encountering challenges such as mental illness, addiction, homelessness, and physical disabilities. To assist these individuals, ES3 will contribute 1.5% of its profits to JustWork, as well as one half day per person per month to volunteer at the organization.

On top of the benefits that companies and employees receive from volunteering, communities and non-profit organizations gain just as much. For instance, various non-profit organizations are benefitting from a volunteer program that Intel, a U.S.-based multinational semi-conductor company, has organized for its retired employees. A Forbes article notes that Intel retirees can work for local non-profit organizations on a part-time or full-time basis for 1,000 hours over a 6 to 12-month period. At the end of the period, the retirees receive a stipend of $25,000. Not only is this beneficial for employees who seek work after retirement, but also for the non-profit organizations, as it would normally be highly costly to hire an individual with the knowledge, skills, and experience of an Intel employee.

Overall, corporate volunteering offers countless benefits for corporations, employees, and communities, and illustrates how all three are closely linked. It’s no wonder that the practice is supported by so many Canadian businesses, with more following every day.

Companies interested in engaging in corporate volunteering can check out the recently launched Richmond Caring Companies program.

 

There are so many awesome non-profit organizations doing awesome things, it’s no wonder that some of them get lost in the shuffle. How can you help your organization climb to the summit of Mt. Awesome, where everyone can see it? Volunteer writer Natasha Jung, who specializes in awesomeness (as well marketing and communications), has some tips.  

You’re doing something good for your community. No, wait – you’re doing something awesome for your community – but no one knows!

Similar to the question, “If a tree falls in a forest but no one is around to hear, does it still make a sound?”, if you’re doing good work through your volunteer organization, yet you don’t tell anyone about it, do you still make a difference? Yes, but here’s another question: If you’re trying to raise funds for your cause, how much harder do you have to work to get people to support and believe in it if you’re not actively sharing your story with the community? No matter how big or small your organization, even non-profits and community groups need a communications plan.

What is a communications plan? It’s all the activities that your organization does to tell people about its mandate, structure, activities, and successes. It may even help you recruit new volunteers (or engage current ones), raise funds, and promote events. Communications activities include newsletters, blog posts, websites, volunteer information, fundraising guides, and more – anything that is used to tell people what your organization is doing and why it is awesome.

 

One of the best ways to spread the word about your organization's activities and successes is by purchasing a megaphone. Just kidding. You'll be much better off if you simply follow Natasha's advice. Image by Marcelo Barboza

 
How do you communicate awesomeness? First, you have to ask yourself some key questions:

• Why are you communicating something? What is your purpose?

   

• Who are you communicating with? Who is your audience? What do they need, want, or expect from you when communicating with them? What language is most appropriate to use? What medium of communication will be most effective in reaching your audience?

   

• What are your goals? What key messages will help you achieve them?

   

• How will you communicate? What communication methods and mediums will you use? If your audience isn’t engaged in social media, do you need a Twitter account? What skills will you need? What resources will you need? When and how often will you communicate?

 

Whatever your answers to these questions, here are three tips to help you along the way:

 

1. Communicate well. Be strategic about it! Use multiple platforms and methods, as there are different ways to demand attention. Use your human, financial, and technology resources efficiently. Make sure you identify the correct key messages to be communicated and make sure these are clear whenever you communicate the awesomeness of your organization.

    

2. Communicate often. This, too, involves strategic planning. For example, if you have an event coming up, you should schedule your communications to give yourself enough time to let people know about it. Let your supporters and volunteers know that you’re actively working towards your goal! It is also organic because if your organization’s volunteers and staff strongly believe in your cause, it’ll always be top-of-mind. They will naturally find opportunities to talk with others about your organization and identify new and unexpected ways in which it can grow.

    

3. Communicate awesome. This includes celebrating achievements, as well as acknowledging those who helped along the way (volunteers, donors, etc.).

 

You’re doing awesome things – now go out there and share it!

 

Research has shown time and time again that volunteering is good for your health, both physically and mentally. Volunteer writer Ray Wang, in his first article for our blog, takes a closer look at some of the statistics on the subject. We think he's put together a great piece, and if the studies are correct, he improved his health in the process!

“The best way to find yourself, is to lose yourself in the service of others.” - Mohandas Ghandi 

Canada is a country renowned for multiculturalism, staggering natural beauty, and of course, hockey. But perhaps the thing Canadians can be most proud of is their reputation for giving back. From volunteering at the local food bank, to organizing fundraisers, to coaching amateur sports, it’s undoubtedly true that community service is a distinctive part of Canadian culture. In fact, according to bcliving.ca, roughly half of Canadians volunteer (that being said, three quarters of Canada’s volunteer hours are generated by a quarter of the volunteers). In 2007, Canadians spent an unbelievable 2.1 billion hours volunteering.

Clearly, volunteering has a positive and profound impact on communities across the country. But did you know that volunteering has an equally positive impact on your health? Based on a survey developed by VolunteerMatch and UnitedHealthcare, people who volunteer experience significant physical and psychological benefits:

 

• 68% of volunteers agree that “volunteering has made me feel physically healthier.”
  

   

• 89% of volunteers agree that “volunteering has improved my sense of well-being.”
  

   

• 73% of volunteers agree that “volunteering lowers my stress levels.”

   

• 92% of volunteers agree that volunteering enriches their sense of purpose in life.
  

   

• Volunteers are significantly more likely (72%) to consider themselves as “optimistic” compared to non-volunteers (60%).

 

In addition to the valuable outcomes indicated by the survey, Imagine Canada and Statistics Canada, in their 2009 report, Caring Canadians, Involved Canadians, discovered various crucial skills that volunteers develop. These skills help them to become more efficient and allow them to connect with other people, factors important for maintaining both physical and mental health. Some examples include:

 

• Two thirds of volunteers stated that through volunteering, they had gained stronger interpersonal skills, such as the ability to motivate and understand people better, or stronger abilities in coping with difficult scenarios.
  

   

• Almost half (45%) of volunteers indicated that they had acquired communication skills.
  

   

• 34% of volunteers said that they had gained further knowledge in a variety of areas, including health, women’s or political issues, criminal justice, and the environment.
  

   

• Roughly one third (32%) of volunteers had developed fundraising skills.
  

   

• A quarter (25%) of the volunteers expressed that they had obtained technical or office skills, such as first aid, coaching, computer skills and bookkeeping.

 

Advancements in interpersonal skills, technical or office skills, and communication abilities help volunteers become efficient, well-balanced, and more involved in their communities, which in turn allows them to easily adapt to different workplaces, join new social circles, handle tough situations, and ultimately maintain good health.

 

Fresh air and exercise, all while volunteering? Participants in the 2011 Salmon Festival Parade must be some of the healthiest people around!

 

Furthermore, studies have shown that elderly individuals who volunteer 100 hours annually tend to have a healthier mind and body. Below are some findings:

 

• Adults age 65 and older experience positive effects from volunteering in terms of their mental and physical health, due to the sense of personal accomplishment and gains from their volunteer activities.
  

   

• Individuals who have volunteered after experiencing heart attacks showed declines in depression.
  

   

• Individuals 70 years of age and above who volunteer 100 hours annually have fewer declines in self-reported health and functioning levels, experience lower levels of depression, and have more endurance.

 

Judging by the outcomes, individuals 65 and over would do well to integrate volunteering into their lives. A sense of personal accomplishment can definitely brighten up a person’s day, motivating them to volunteer even more. This positive feedback loop will continuously encourage the volunteer to maximize their potential, all the while making them happier and healthier.

In short, the millions of Canadians who volunteer are not only helping others, but also benefiting themselves! Feel free to browse through the different volunteer opportunities offered by Volunteer Richmond as well as other non-profit organizations in the Lower Mainland!

Behind all caring companies are caring people, none more so than David Lee Kwen, President of Misty Mountain Specialties. The local business is participating in the inaugural Richmond Caring Companies program, hoping to find new and meaningful ways of becoming involved in the community. Volunteer writer Benjamin Yong, who’s chronicling Misty Mountain’s journey through the program on our blog, caught up with Kwen to learn more about his background, his business, and his reasons for wanting to give back.

David Lee Kwen is a scientist, a successful businessman, and an advocate for change. He also happens to be an avid mushroom enthusiast.

President of Misty Mountain Specialities, a Richmond-based company he started in 1997 that deals primarily with wild and domestic mushrooms and other speciality forest products, he’s had a passion for the edible fungi since his days first as a science undergrad at UBC, and then a food technology student at BCIT.

“I’m a cell biologist by trade,” says Kwen. “I [did] tissue cultures on different kinds of mushrooms and I found out, hey, for example, the oyster mushroom was easy to grow. It looks nice and I figured it would be great on a plate in a restaurant.”

Besides admiring the aesthetic qualities of mushrooms, he also appreciates the fact that they are a renewable food source. Before starting Misty Mountain, Kwen – who immigrated to Canada from Trinidad and Tobago in 1969 – worked in a government lab as well as in import/export before deciding to take his passion full time.

Kwen says he started his company as a way to do something he loved while being able to make money. But having been in business for over a decade, “it comes to a point where you have to think and see what is more valuable in life.”

That’s why when he heard about the Richmond Caring Companies Program through the Richmond Chamber of Commerce, he jumped at the opportunity to give back.

“I joined the program so that my employees could have that sense in them to have those values where you’re not just working and making money, but you also have to give back – especially to the society that created you.”

Misty Mountain is currently in the early stages of implementing an employer-supported volunteer program, but they have been very active in other initiatives. They provide a yearly scholarship to the Richmond Christian School, support the BC Cancer Foundation, and work with the Quest Food Exchange providing healthy meals to the needy. But Kwen says that Caring Companies allows for more interaction than just writing a cheque.

And helping others isn’t just a one-way street, he adds. “It gives the employees a sense of giving, and they find it so much more rewarding coming to work at Misty.”

Check back in April for part 3 of The Making of a Caring Company.

Previous posts in this series:

Read Part 1 of The Making of a Caring Company

 

 

Grocery shopping may not be the most exciting activity on your weekly schedule, but it's certainly one of the most essential. So imagine how you'd feel if you couldn't go to the supermarket. How would you get your food? Sure, friends and family could help, but they might not live close-by. This is a scenario faced by many homebound seniors and others whose health issues inhibit their mobility. It's this very scenario our Volunteer Shopping Programs were created to address. Volunteer writer Amanda Oye discovered just how much the programs mean to the clients they serve.

Every now and then, life throws us a curve ball. For Anthony, it happened when he threw out his back, making it difficult to perform tasks he would normally do on his own.

Shopping for groceries was one such task, so after hearing about it at a community centre, he decided to try out Volunteer Richmond Information Services’ Shop-by-Phone program.

Anthony, accustomed to being independent, has been using the program for the past three months and couldn’t be happier.

“I really can’t say enough about them,” he says. “[The program] sure makes my life a lot easier.”

Shop-by-Phone, which came into existence in 1993, is one of several services, along with Group Shopping, Individual Shopping and Personal Shopping, that Volunteer Richmond offers to clients in partnership with Vancouver Coastal Health – Richmond.

“This program is for people whose health prevents them from being able to shop for their groceries,” says Carol Dickson, Manager of Volunteer Richmond’s Seniors Community Support Services. “Generally they are older adults.” According to Dickson, the program helps them “maintain their independence and remain in their own homes for as long as possible.”

 

Taking the wheel of Volunteer Richmond's Community Cruiser, volunteer grocery delivery drivers bring fresh produce, baked goods, and other items to Shop-by-Phone clients throughout Richmond.

The length of time each participant uses the program varies. “Someone who has had a serious accident uses the service for a few months until they get better,” says Dickson. For others it may be a long term service.

The impact that the program has on the lives of clients is immeasurable. “I just don’t think I could do it,” says Anthony, who doesn't have family nearby to help him out.

Through the program “you order and you get what you order,” he says, adding that if Safeway (the program runs out of the Broadmoor store) doesn’t have something on his list, the volunteers will leave him a note to let him know.

His appreciation for the program doesn’t end with the meticulous nature with which the shopping volunteers fill his order. “What blew me away is they asked me if I would prefer someone calling me,” he says. This way, a volunteer would contact him for his order each week so he wouldn't need to remember to call himself.

“They’ve been really great to me,” says Anthony. “This is one of the best things I have been involved with.”

As mentioned, the program that has helped Anthony since his injury runs thanks in a large part to many hardworking volunteers. Some take orders over the phone, others shop at Safeway, and, in the near future, several will even deliver groceries using Volunteer Richmond’s Community Cruiser.

An eye for detail is a key skill that all of them have in common. This is so they can be sure that each client is getting exactly what they requested.

“It’s just a wonderful feeling knowing such care is taken to get the [clients] their correct groceries,” says Dickson. Volunteers benefit from “knowing that they’re making a difference, that they’re providing a service that impacts so many lives in such a positive way.”

And the clients, like Anthony, are truly grateful.

For more information on volunteering as a shopper or grocery delivery driver, call 604-279-7020 or visit www.volunteerrichmond.ca/HelpSeniors.