The Alzheimer Society of BC exists to alleviate the personal and social consequences of Alzheimer Disease and related dementias, to promote public awareness and to search for the causes and the cures. Services include a toll-free information line, book and video loans, free literature, a publication for caregivers, a society newsletter, Speakers' Bureau and health fairs, advocacy, and funding for research.

Memories Thrift Shop
6940 No. 3 Rd.
Richmond,  BC   V6Y 2C5   (Map)
Phone:  604-244-5939
Sells clothing, furniture, household goods, toys and more. Donations accepted with thanks. Open Monday to Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and occasional Sundays 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Part of the proceeds help to support the Alzheimer Society of BC.

A non-profit organization whose mission is to provide the opportunity to get a computer to those who are not able to afford one. Visit the website to apply for or donate a computer.

The Canadian Cancer Society supports cancer research and delivers support and educational programs for all types of cancer. The Richmond office is open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 11am to 3pm. Our office is run by volunteers and hours are subject to change. Please call 604-279-7150 to confirm hours.

Richmond Wig Zone
Phone:  604-279-7150
Free wigs and headwear are offered to cancer patients who have undergone cancer treatment and who cannot afford to buy them. These wigs have been donated, so styles may be limited. This service is offered by appointment only. Please call the office to make an appointment.

Part of an international humanitarian movement working globally and locally to improve the situations of the most vulnerable. The Red Cross responds to disasters, both in Canada and abroad, and provides education and training to children, youth and adults on everything from abuse and injury prevention to global education and life-saving skills.

Medical Equipment Loan Service
This community-based, volunteer-run program provides short-term loans of basic medical equipment, by donation, to those recovering from surgery or injury, or living with mobility limitations. Last year, 417 volunteers served 20,738 clients, loaning over 48,000 pieces of medical equipment. Available equipment includes mobility aids, bath aids, toileting aids, walking aids, and aids to daily living.

This community-based, volunteer-run program provides short-term loans of basic medical equipment by donation to those recovering from surgery or injury, or living with mobility limitations. Available equipment includes wheelchairs, walkers, crutches and bathroom aids. Referrals from a health care professional are required for all items. Please phone the office to confirm availability of equipment.

The Chinese Cultural Centre is a non-profit organization whose membership is open to all. The Centre offers different classes and clubs for people with different interests. The Centre also provides services to the community and aims to promote the Chinese culture through various events. Services are available in English, Cantonese and Mandarin.

Income Tax Clinic
For seniors and low-income individuals. Held every year during tax season, usually in March and April. Sign up for the clinic in early February. Service in Chinese and English. There is no fee for this service, but donations are accepted. Call about dates and times.

The Computer for Schools (CFS) program is a national, federal government-led program that operates in cooperation with all provinces and territories. The program collects surplus computers from government and private sector sources and distributes them to schools, libraries and non-profits throughout Canada. Computer workshops are staffed by volunteers who clean, refurbish and prepare computers for delivery. CFS has provided more than 958,000 computers since it was founded in 1993.

The Credit Counselling Society is a non-profit credit counselling service that teaches people about money management and using credit carefully. Counsellors can show people what to do if they have debt and can offer assistance in the office or over the phone. Counselling appointments focus on managing individual situations and are free of charge. The Credit Counselling Society also provides workshops, lunch and learn sessions, and repayment programs and alternatives. Visit the website or call for more information.

A non-profit organization that helps low-income women make tailored transitions into the workforce. Each Dress for Success client receives one suit when she has a job interview and a second suit when she gets the job. Since 1999, 10,000 women have been assisted in Greater Vancouver. The Dress for Success Professional Women’s Group program provides ongoing support to help the client build a successful career. Referrals are made by a number of different not-for-profit and government agencies. Visit the website for a list of agencies who provide referrals to Dress for Success.

Donations
Donations of current, clean office attire are needed for clients and can be dropped off on Wednesdays and Saturdays between 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. All sizes are welcome. Accessories including shoes, handbags and jewelry are also needed. Please call first to receive information on where to park and how to access the facilities.

The Freecycle Network is made up of 4,810 groups with 7,245,000 members across the globe. It's a grassroots and entirely nonprofit movement of people who are giving & getting stuff for free in their own towns. It's all about reuse and keeping good stuff out of landfills. Each local group is moderated by a local volunteer. Membership is free. Please visit their website www.freecycle.org for more details or visit http://ca.groups.yahoo.com/group/Freecycle_Richmond/ for the Richmond specific group.

Service every Sunday at 10:30 a.m.

Community Meal
Community Meal every Thursday at 5:30pm. From January through to November. This is a free dinner offered to anyone regardless of means, social situation or religious affiliation. Everyone is welcomed!

JobWave's mission is to help income-assistance recipients develop life and work skills and move successfully along the employment continuum. JobWave is available to income-assistance recipients who are approved for the program by the B.C. Ministry of Housing and Social Development.

KidSport was established in 1993 by Sport BC. KidSport is a community based sport-funding program that provides grants for children ages 6 - 18 to participate in a sport season of their choice. There are now 39 community chapters in BC and 175 chapters across Canada. With the help from dedicated corporate partners, KidSport works to fulfill its mission of eliminating the financial barriers to sport participation, ‘So ALL Kids Can Play!’

A non-profit society that provides funding for assistive devices to adults with physical disabilities, and teaches disability awareness.

A fun-filled seminar for women. Earn your souvenir co-pilot's license and get a chance to fly a real airplane. Fun, Laughter, Adventure, and a Turbo-Boost for your Self Confidence. Includes one day in 'Ground School' and 2 flights with you as co-pilot. FREE!

An activity centre for seniors age 55 and over. Ongoing activities include billiards, bingo, bridge, crib, mah jong, outtrips, manicures and much more. Classes offered include art, dancing, and fitness. Services include: wellness clinic, hearing clinic, income tax clinic and telephone referrals for seniors' needs. The centre also has a cafeteria with a daily hot meal program. Membership is $20 per year.

Income Tax Clinic
Offers free income tax appointments Monday through Friday during March and April for those over age 55 who have an annual income of $25,000 or less. The volunteers who help complete your income tax forms are trained by Revenue Canada or are certified accountants.

Minoru Place Cafeteria
Phone:  604-718-8461
Provides hot meals and snacks at reasonable prices.

An organization that repairs, sells and recycles old monitors and computer parts at low costs. Call for proper monitor disposal. With a referral, Monitor King can offer computer systems for reduced prices or for free to those who are experiencing financial hardship. Call Volunteer Richmond for a referral at 604-279-7020. Monitor King is open Monday to Friday10:00 am to 6:00 pm Saturday10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Strives to be a leader in finding a cure for multiple sclerosis and enabling people affected by MS to enhance their quality of life. Provides information and support, equipment, advocacy, and education to people affected by MS.

Equipment Provision Program - EPP
Web site: www.mssociety.ca/bc/epp.htm
Phone:  604-689-3144
Fax:  604-689-0377
Toll Free:  1-800-268-7582
E-mail: info.bc@mssociety.ca
Assists people living with MS and in financial need acquire equipment required to maximize their quality of life. Financial Criteria Apply. Applications for the EPP can be found on the MS Society website via the EPP page. For further information visit the website or call the MS Society.

Supported by Block Parent, Crime Stoppers and the RCMP, the Operation Family Identification provides free identity kits to parents and guardians. The kit contains a picture, fingerprints of the child and all of the child's vital statistics. The parent or guardian retains the only copy of the identity kit.

An organization that promotes healthy family relationships by supporting children, parents, and others in a parenting role in BC communities. Volunteer opportunities include: facilitators for Parent Support Circles and Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Circles; childminders; local steering committee members; office assistant and provincial board of directors

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Circles
Weekly support and information meetings for grandparents and other relatives who are the primary caregivers of grandchildren /nieces and nephews.

Richmond Support Circle and Richmond Latin American Circle
At circles, parents talk about how they are feeling about their children and themselves. They find understanding, support and encouragement to be the parents they want to be. These circles are free, weekly and confidential. Open to parents with children 0-12 and there is on-site child minding. Transportation assistance is available if needed

RCBC is a non-profit organization promoting the principles of zero waste through information services, exchanging ideas and research. For general inquiries, call the RCBC Recycling Hotline at 604-732-9253

BC Electronics Materials Exchange (BC-EMEX)
Web site: www.bcemex.ca
An online service that lets you sell, give away or trade electronic items that you don't want but that may be useful to others. This free service helps users find alternative uses for electronics that may otherwise end up in the landfill. You can also post requests for items that you need or browse the listings for items available in our area. Many items are free and it is good for the environment.

RCBC Materials Exchange Program (MEX)
Web site: vancouver.reuses.com
Phone:  604-732-9253
Find free or low-cost furniture, electronic equipment, household goods, and more. This website is sponsored by the Recycling Council of BC. Residential and Industrial Materials Exchange are available.

Richmond Animal Protection Society (RAPS) is a registered non-profit society that cares for lost and abandoned animals. RAPS operates a large, no-kill cat sanctuary that currently houses around 900 animals that have been rescued from the streets or from euthanasia at municipal shelters, or that have been surrendered by guardians who can no longer care for them. RAPS provides a loving, permanent home to those that are not adoptable, as well as a high standard of veterinary care. RAPS helps the community trap neighbourhood strays and access low-cost spay/neuter surgery to reduce pet overpopulation. Also provides advice to people who are experiencing behavioural problems with their pets, to lessen the number of animals being euthanized or surrendered to shelters.

Thrift Store
140 - 8260 Granville Ave.
Richmond,  BC   V6Y 1P3   (Map)
Phone:  604-244-7529
Sells goods to raise funds for the operation of Richmond Animal Protection Society. RAPS’ Thrift Store is run by volunteers and is the only thrift store where 100% of profits go toward care of animals. Donations of resalable items, including furniture, welcomed. Call for assistance with pick-up of large donations. Store hours are 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday to Saturday.

Free Community Lunch
Free Community Lunch every Friday at 12:30pm

This program provides grocery vouchers to registered low-income Richmond residents and new toys to low-income families with children aged 12 and under, and gift certificates to teens 13-15. The Christmas Fund sponsorship program matches registered families with individuals and groups who prepare a customized Christmas hamper for their family. Donations from the community - both financial and of new, unwrapped gifts - are the basis of this program.

Richmond Family Place provides programs for parents and their children birth to six throughout Richmond. Offers "Learning through Play" activities in a welcoming and informative environment for parents with newborn babies to children of kindergarten age. Both drop-in and registration programs are available at the main site on Ash Street as well as at several satellite locations. Please call for more details.

Richmond Family Place Thrift Store
Sells used clothing, footwear, and small household items. Please contact for hours.

A non-profit organization dedicated to providing food assistance to low-income people in Richmond. Its mission is: To provide food assistance, advocacy and related support for those in our community in need. Does not solicit door-to-door or by telephone.

Grocery Distribution
Provides grocery assistance to low-income families and individuals. On Tuesdays, groceries are distributed in East Richmond at the Peace Church gymnasium at 11571 Daniels Rd. from 1:00p.m to 2:00 p.m. On Wednesdays and Thursdays, groceries are distributed at 5800 Cedarbridge Way from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Evening distributions are on the third Wednesday of each month from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at 5800 Cedarbridge Way.

Nutrition and Literacy for Children
"Feed the Body, Feed the Mind" links healthy eating with literacy and development by providing healthy snack packs and story books to children up to 12 years old, and Story Times for the whole family during Wednesday and Thursday distribution times.

Nutritious Recipe Demonstrations
During distribution times, demonstrations of delicious, nutritious, and economical recipes based on seasonal vegetables and staple foods that are normally available at the Food Bank.

Special Needs
Other arrangements may be made for people with special needs to receive food from the Food Bank. Please call for more information.

A thrift shop located in the Steveston area. Accepts donated goods which can be sold to raise funds for the Richmond Hospital. Store hours are 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday to Saturday.

Serves Richmond's multicultural community as a central resource for referrals, information, translation, and interpretation services in a variety of languages. The society assists immigrants and refugees with their settlement and integration needs. Services are offered in 12 languages.

Chai At Chaupal
Free program for South Asian seniors to relax, have tea, share ideas and opinions, discuss general topics and volunteer. Mondays from 10:30am - 12:30pm at the India Cultural Centre, 8600 No.5 Road, Richmond and Tuesdays from 12:00pm - 2:00pm at the Cambie Community Centre Boardroom, 12800 Cambie Road, Richmond.

An opportunity to share items you no longer need with low-income Richmond residents, and a place to find free furniture, clothing, sporting goods and more. Donors can post descriptions of items they would like to donate while maintaining their privacy - their contact information is seen only by registered agencies that work with low-income Richmond families. Pick-up is then arranged between donor and recipient. Visit the website for more information.

The Society is committed to the provision of community based services for children, teens, and adults with developmental disabilities. Fundamental is the belief that each individual has the right to those services which will enable him or her to participate - to the greatest extent possible - in the same activities of everyday life as a non-handicapped peer.

Richmond Handycrew Co-operative
Phone:  604-241-4113
E-mail: handycrew@rscl.org
Handycrew teams come together with their support workers to offer an estimate and carry out household projects. Prices range from $20 to $30. Services available include gardening (lawn mowing, pruning, light gardening), household cleaning (bathrooms, vacuuming/dusting, wiping and organizing kitchen cupboards, lining cupboards with shelf paper, washing windows inside and outside) and repairs.

Promotes equality for women in all aspects of society. Services include information and referral, peer support, a volunteer program, training services and a resource library. The Centre provides English conversation classes, individual computer instruction and more.

Hot Ink - Creative Writing for Teens
A free after-school creative writing workshop/program for teen girls from Richmond. Takes place Wednesday 3-5pm at Richmond High Secondary.

Income Tax Preparation
Web site: www.richmondwomenscentre.bc.ca/help-groups/support-groups/32-income-tax-preparation
During tax season (January to April) RWRC is happy to help women with the preparations required for filing Income Tax.

Individual Computer Training
Web site: www.richmondwomenscentre.bc.ca/help-groups/workshops/21-individual-computer-lessons

Internet Community Access Program
Web site: www.richmondwomenscentre.bc.ca/help-groups/programs/15-internet-community-access-program-cap
A computer, printer and fax are available for all women to use at no charge. Open Monday to Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Volunteers are available to help.

Work Ready Program
Web site: www.richmondwomenscentre.bc.ca/help-groups/programs/14-work-ready-program
A free 3 Month Intensive Work-Readiness program including: Office and Computer Training; Business English Conversation and Writing; Workshops in Job Search skills; Vocational and Educational advice; and Volunteer and Practicum Experience. The Work Ready program teaches skills like English writing, business correspondence, job search and interview skills

The Salvation Army is an international Christian charitable organization devoted to helping people in need, including families in crisis, single parents, children, seniors, and those experiencing hunger, homelessness, addiction, and abuse.

Advocacy Program
Volunteers assist individuals in need of help to obtain the appropriate services.

Children's Holiday Camp
Registers and sponsors kids from age 7 to 12 to attend summer camps at Camp Sunrise on the Sunshine Coast.

Community Christmas Dinner
Volunteers and local businesses host a community dinner for the less fortunate in December.

Community Church
A place where everyone is welcome to be part of the church family and call it their spiritual home. Worship service is held every Sunday at 10:00 a.m.

Emergency Social Services
Helps needy individuals and families with the basic needs of food and clothing.

Family Tracing Service
Phone:  778-834-8107
Traces missing persons through Salvation Army branches locally, nationally and worldwide.

Fire Victim Program
Helps tenants and homeowners without home insurance replace basic clothing, furniture and household items lost through a fire.

Free Eye Glasses
The Salvation Army refers low-income people who need glasses to Lenscrafters' Vision Care program for assistance. Must have an eye exam and a prescription ready.

Free Legal Advice
555 Homer St.
Vancouver,  BC   V6B 1K8   (Map)
Web site: www.probono.ca
Phone:  604-694-6647
Fax:  604-681-3005
Offered to people with legal issues who cannot afford a lawyer or who do not qualify for government aid, this program allows them to obtain legal advice from professional lawyers at no charge. To book an appointment, call the Pro Bono Legal Clinic Office.

Multicultural Outreach Services
Offers a broad range of information and social services to welcome new immigrants and assist them to settle happily into mainstream Canadian society.

Richmond House
3111 Shell Rd.
Richmond,  BC   V6X 2P3   (Map)
Phone:  604-276-2490
Fax:  604-276-2490
Provides short-term, emergency shelter for up to ten homeless men. Bed for the night and three daily meals are provided. Maximum stay is 30 days. Opens 24 hours and 7 days a week throughout the year.

Rotary Hospice House
6460 No. 4 Rd.
Richmond,  BC   V6Y 2S9   (Map)
Phone:  604-207-1212
E-mail: hospicevolunteers@telus.net
A 10-bed palliative care facility which provides support services to people in the final stages of their terminal illnesses.

Weekly Free Community Lunch
A free, nutritious meal is offered to the community every Thursday at 12:30 p.m. (except during the summer months). The meal is prepared and served by volunteers. All are welcome.

Shalom BC is a non-profit organization that provides comprehensive information concerning mainly Jewish topics and the Jewish Community. Our goal is to assist each person who contacts our office to obtain accurate and prompt information to their question or to link them with appropriate services through other community agencies or organizations. Shalom BC plays an important role in connecting newcomers to the Jewish community. Newcomers are presented with a kit consisting of information about the Jewish and general communities tailored to suit their individual needs. Shalom BC’s volunteer centre offers community agencies recruitment and referral of volunteers to enhance and support them in carrying out their work. For more information Call 604-257-5181.

Tickets To Inclusion
Tickets To Inclusion is a program aimed at providing Jewish people who have low income the opportunity to access social, cultural and recreational events. Tickets to the events are donated either by different organizations in the Jewish community or the general community or by individuals in the Jewish community, and are given to people who may otherwise be excluded from such events.

Helping foster children around the globe is what SOS Kinderdorf International does in over 130 countries by providing homes, villages, schools, medical clinics, youth training centres, and emergency relief programs. An SOS Village is a group of family homes providing children with long term care and support including a home, a family and a tightly knit support system where children can stay and later return to as visiting adults. There is only one village in Canada and it is located here in BC.

Treasure Cottage (Thrift Store)
3800 Moncton St.
Richmond,  BC   V7E 3A6   (Map)
Phone:  604-274-8866
E-mail: bhigh@shaw.ca
A thrift store located in Steveston. All proceeds support SOS Children's Village BC. The store accepts donations of clean, gently used articles for resale, such as clothing, small household goods, books, seasonal decorations, etc. Store hours are 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday to Saturday; 11:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday. Volunteer inquiries are very welcome! Check out the new, additional location in Kerrisdale. 2319 West 41st Ave. Vancouver, BC, V6M 2A3 or North Vancouver 121 Lonsdale Ave. North Vancouver, BC, V7M 2E7

Links people who wish to buy or sell used medical equipment. Recommends that callers first check with their health care provider to ensure that they are requesting the right equipment. Hours are 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Tuesday to Friday. Messages can be left seven days a week. The equipment registry is a volunteer service run by seniors.

Weekly Free Community Meal
A safe, friendly, and welcoming place where you can share a meal with children, youth and adults, Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome to this free meal. Runs September through the end of June.

This society of the Catholic Church helps people in need throughout the year. Offers hampers, food vouchers, toys, and other items as needed. You can also call the office or the office of any Catholic Church during office hours. Donations are accepted and pick-up for items is available. Operates two stores (one at 2743 Main Street and the other at 1738 East Hastings).

The Cinderella Project provides underprivileged high school graduates - girls and boys (Cinderfellas) - from the Greater Vancouver area with formal attire so they can attend their graduation festivities with pride. School counsellors, teachers, principals or social services agencies throughout the Lower Mainland refer students to the organization. A Boutique Day is held each Spring where each grad selects a gown, suit or tuxedo, shoes, purse and accessories. Students also have their hair and makeup done and receive gift bags full of toiletries.

Donations
Cash donations, gowns (sizes 0 to 32) in good wearable condition (mended or dry cleaned) along with dress shoes and accessories (including costume jewelry, evening purses, ties, belts and socks) are needed. Call or email for drop-off locations.

Volunteers
The Cinderella Project is run solely by volunteers. A core group of volunteers oversee the day-to-day operations of the program. At Boutique Day, more than 300 volunteers including, hair stylists, make-up artists, disc jockeys, seamstresses, tailors, and photographers help make the event a memorable one.

Union Gospel Mission is a local grass roots charity that receives its funding through the generosity and support of individuals, churches, business and community groups. They offer hope to the hungry, hurting and homeless in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. Programs include drug and alcohol recovery, pastoral services, emergency meals, clothing and shelter.

Thrift Stores
671 E. Hastings St.
Vancouver,  BC   V6A 1R2   (Map)
Store items are sold at nominal prices to provide necessities to lower income families and individuals. To donate: donations can be dropped off at either store location. The Vancouver store is open Tuesday to Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Surrey store (10776 King George Hwy.) is open Tuesday to Saturday 9:00 a.m. To 4:30 p.m.

Operates and promotes a free, public accessible, non-commercial, community computer utility in the Lower Mainland of BC to provide a public space on the Internet. Provides web space, Internet services, and support to non-profit groups towards sustainable use of the Internet. Also offers community events postings.

Community Access Program
Web site: www.cap.vcn.bc.ca
Search for public internet access sites in your neighbourhood, post community events and activities, use message boards, and chat with others.

Internet Services
Web site: www2.vcn.bc.ca/services
Offers free services for individuals and non-profit groups including domain name hosting, group email accounts, and database hosting for groups. Help is available 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday to Friday.

A non-profit organization that brings people and services together through community information and volunteerism.

Richmond Christmas Fund
E-mail: christmasfund@volunteerrichmond.ca
This program provides grocery vouchers to registered low-income Richmond residents and new toys to low-income families with children aged 12 and under, and gift certificates to teens 13-15. The Christmas Fund sponsorship program matches registered families with individuals and groups who prepare a customized Christmas hamper for their family. Donations from the community - both financial and of new, unwrapped gifts - are the basis of this program.

Offers used donated beds free to the public. Welcomes donations of beds that are in good condition upon inspection. Open seven days a week from 12:00p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Closed on all statutory holidays.

Families are usually referred to this program by community health nurses.