A program of Volunteer Richmond Information Services, the Richmond Christmas Fund mobilizes the community, and their spirit of giving, in order to donate gifts (money, toys, etc.) for needy families during Christmas. Located at the Richmond Caring Place, each year RCF distributes grocery vouchers to low-income Richmond residents so that every family has the opportunity to 
sit down to a joyful holiday celebration.
More than 1,000 children 15 years and younger receive numerous gifts ensuring that no child returns to school in January without a wonderful story to tell.
sit down to a joyful holiday celebration. More than 1,000 children 15 years and younger receive numerous gifts ensuring that no child returns to school in January without a wonderful story to tell.
Presently RCF has more than 120 volunteers who contribute their time each year to help with registration, toy distribution, data entry and fundraising events.
Mechanics of Mobilization
Some fortunate families are matched with a generous sponsor for a custom food and gift hamper. Sponsors (individuals or corporations) then create a personalized food and gift packages for their sponsor family based on the needs and tastes of that family. The number of families who receive hampers depends solely on the commitment and generosity of the community.
Families picks up their toys and grocery vouchers on the same day that they register. Each person registered with the program receives $25 grocery voucher so that they can enjoy a special holiday meal. Children 12 years and under receive toys and books from the McDonald's Toy Room, which have been generously donated by Richmond residents. Teens will receive gift certificates to a local shopping center.
For Christmas 2010, registration started on November 24. For more details, click here.
Beneficiaries
To qualify, the beneficiary must be a resident of Richmond and be classified as "low income" by Statistics Canada's guidelines. Requirements include a picture ID, CareCards, and bank statements.
Families picks up their toys and grocery vouchers on the same day that they register. Each person registered with the program receives $25 grocery voucher so that they can enjoy a special holiday meal. Children 12 years and under receive toys and books from the McDonald's Toy Room, which have been generously donated by Richmond residents. Teens will receive gift certificates to a local shopping center.
For Christmas 2010, registration started on November 24. For more details, click here.
Beneficiaries
To qualify, the beneficiary must be a resident of Richmond and be classified as "low income" by Statistics Canada's guidelines. Requirements include a picture ID, CareCards, and bank statements.
STORIES
Charlie and Nelia Lopez, chefs
In 1997 Nelia became pregnant with their 4th child, and the doctor asked her to stop working. To make matters worse, Charlie got laid off from work because of management change. "I feel so bad because I'm gonna have a kid and there was nothing going on in our life," Charlie recalled.
A friend suggested to Nelia to ask for donations from the RCF. The couple swallowed their pride. Two weeks before Christmas, volunteers from the non-profit agency came to their house bearing gifts. "Total strangers brought me all these just because we asked for help," Nelia said.
The couple now own a restaurant and a successful catering business.
In December 2010, the couple were given the change to give back, as people from the Richmond Christmas Fund approached them for catering for a fundraising event. "I don't know if I can charge you because you guys had no idea what you've done for us in the past. We were once recipients of the Christmas fund and at that time we really needed it and you guys were there," Nelia told the RCF representatives.
The successful event raised $20,000. (Source)
