Hundreds of stories could be told about the Richmond Christmas Fund, and all of them would be equally inspiring. Some of our favourite, though, are about the volunteers who make the program possible. Take Cindy Morrison, for example. As Toy Room Coordinator for the second year running, she has an incredibly important role to play. How does she find the time to give back? By taking a vacation, of course! Volunteer writer Benjamin Yong spoke with Cindy about her unique holiday plans.

For some people, like Richmond Christmas Fund volunteer Cindy Morrison, volunteering can be just as rewarding as taking a vacation. That is why she is spending her holidays this year giving back.

Working in business development in the transportation industry, Morrison booked time off work so that she can reprise her role as the Christmas Fund Toy Room Coordinator.

“Volunteering is one of my core values, and I believe that if we take from society when we have a need, it is important to give back to our community when we can,” she says.

During the 2010 Winter Olympics, Morrison volunteered at the Richmond O Zone, where she welcomed 500,000 visitors to the city over 17 memorable days. It was through this experience that she first came in contact with Volunteer Richmond Information Services, which managed the O Zone’s volunteer program and also runs the Richmond Christmas Fund.

 

We're petitioning to have this photo of Cindy Morrison added to the dictionary next to the word "dedication." We think we have a good case, given that Cindy is spending her winter vacation volunteering for the Richmond Christmas Fund.

 
Morrison was already familiar with the Christmas Fund's Family Sponsorship Program, having coordinated the adoption of a family each year through her employer. So, when she received an e-mail from Volunteer Richmond seeking volunteers for the Christmas Fund’s 2010 season, she was quick to apply.

Now, with a year’s experience under her belt, Morrison is looking forward to another successful campaign. “Knowing that we make a difference in the lives of so many underprivileged families during the holiday season puts a smile on my face.”

As Toy Room Coordinator, Morrison, along with other team leaders, oversees the operations of the Christmas Fund’s own version of Santa’s workshop. Each year, the program receives over 3,000 toys (all of them donated). A group of dedicated volunteers, ranging from teens to seniors, prepares the toys for distribution, first sorting them into separate piles for boys and girls, then organizing them by age.

On a typical day, Morrison meets with some of the volunteers assigned to her and briefs them on the duties of being a Toy Room Assistant. They then familiarize themselves with the toys in stock and restock anything that’s needed. When everything is ready, team leaders communicate via walkie talkies, letting each other know when families are ready to be brought in to choose their toys.

But while Morrison is busy with her team giving gifts, she says she feels as lucky as the recipients.

“I like the feeling that I am part of a community and have learned that what I receive in return is so much more important than the hours volunteered. I have met many incredible individuals and have been given the opportunity to utilize skills that are significantly different from my paid employment and that creates an outlet that inspires me.”

To learn more about the Richmond Christmas Fund and the many ways in which you can support the program, click here.