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Richmond Christmas Fund seeks Santa’s helpers

By Richmond Sentinel

Published 1:48 PDT, Fri September 6, 2019

Last Updated: 2:13 PDT, Wed May 12, 2021

Each year, the Christmas Fund is supported by a team of 140 volunteers, who, together, contribute over 2,000 hours.

The holiday season may be months away, but the Richmond Christmas Fund has already begun recruiting volunteers.

The long-running program, operated by Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives (RCRG), helps low-income families, providing them with grocery vouchers, toys, books, and gift cards so they can enjoy a festive holiday celebration.

Each year, the Christmas Fund is supported by a team of 140 volunteers, who, together, contribute over 2,000 hours.

“The Christmas Fund is built on a spirit of community kindness and generosity,” says Ed Gavsie, president and CEO of RCRG. “That all starts with our volunteers. Their commitment to helping our neighbours in need is both admirable and inspiring.”

Volunteer opportunities are available across all areas of the Christmas Fund. Roles that need to be filled include toy room assistants, greeters, toy sorters, gift wrappers, and more.

“The Christmas Fund offers a lot of variety for volunteers,” says Gavsie. “There are roles for high school students, retirees, and everyone in between. There are opportunities to interact directly with clients, or work behind the scenes. You’ll make a difference no matter how you contribute.”

Last year, the Christmas Fund served more people than ever before, brightening the holidays for 2,400 low-income residents.

“Our volunteers stepped up in a big way,” says Gavsie. “We were helping upwards of 500 people a day – it was all hands on deck. Every volunteer played a big part in the program’s success.”

The Christmas Fund is expecting similar numbers this holiday season, making the call for volunteers all the more urgent.

“The Christmas Fund has always been a community effort,” says Gavsie. “The more volunteers the merrier.”

For a complete list of Christmas Fund volunteer opportunities, and an online application form, visit www.rcrg.org

The Richmond Christmas Fund mobilizes the community’s spirit of giving to make holiday wishes come true for 2,400 low-income Richmond residents each year. Those who register with the program receive grocery vouchers, while children under 18 years old also receive toys, books, sports equipment, and gift cards.

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