Santa's workshop may be located at the North Pole, but you can become one of his helpers much closer to home by volunteering with the Richmond Christmas Fund. There are opportunities to help with everything from family registration to toy distribution to data entry. Read on as volunteer writer Alisha Parmar tells you everything you need to know to get involved.

 

Seems like our few days of summer have come and gone, and fall is quickly approaching. School is starting and Halloween colours are already displayed in some stores. Pretty soon, we’ll be seeing Christmas colours and it will be that “most wonderful time of the year” again – family, friends, presents, eggnog, carols and more. Amidst all the giving and getting, it is easy to forget about those who are less fortunate in our community, for whom the holiday season can be a tough time to make ends meet. This winter, consider volunteering with the Richmond Christmas Fund and making a difference in the lives of Richmond residents.

 

Each year more than 120 volunteers contribute 2,200 hours to the Richmond Christmas Fund, assisting with toy room setup, data entry, and much, much more.

 

The Richmond Christmas Fund, run by Volunteer Richmond Information Services, aims to make the holiday season an enjoyable one for Richmond families in need. Every year, the Fund distributes grocery vouchers to over 2,000 low-income residents and provides nearly 1,000 children under 15 with toys, games, and gift cards. Some families are even matched up with sponsors, who put together unique food and gift hampers. With over 120 volunteers committing their time each year the impact is truly significant. Plus, with a wide variety of volunteer positions, there is sure to be one that fits into your holiday schedule:

 

• Toy Room Design Coordinator – Use your creative skills! Coordinate and plan the decoration of the McDonald's Toy Room, where parents select toys for their children. 

   

• Driver/Toy Pick-up – Drive to donation box locations in Richmond to pick up toys to deliver to the McDonald's Toy Room, as well as deliver, set up and pick up donation boxes.

   

• Registration Assistant – Detail-oriented? Help register applicants!

   

• Toy Room Assistant – Perfect for those who love finding the right gift – assist families in the McDonald's Toy Room as they search for gifts for their children.

   

• Toy Room Sorter – Assist after school in sorting toys and getting the McDonald's Toy Room ready for the next day's hectic registration/distribution shift.  

   

• Toy Room Coordinator – Be the head elf! Coordinate activities and a group of volunteers involved in setting up and sorting toys after school in the McDonald's Toy Room.

   

• Volunteer Administrative Assistant – Help out in the office; perform various administrative tasks and respond to enquiries about the Fund.

 

We’re also looking for creative individuals and groups to put together unique hampers for selected families. Click here to learn more.

If you are interested in volunteering, please don’t hesitate. Volunteer applications are now online, while full descriptions of all available volunteer opportunities can be viewed here. Training takes place at the end of October and the beginning of November, depending on the position. Volunteers of all ages are welcome, though those under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.

Please contact Ian Chian, Program Coordinator, at ichian@volunteerrichmond.ca or call 604-279-7035 if you have any questions.

This winter season give the gift of your time. I’m sure it will be greatly appreciated!