Basketball BC creates opportunities throughout British Columbia for the participation and development of players, coaches, and officials at all levels in the great game of basketball.

Leagues
Phone:  604-718-7857
E-mail: cbrown@basketball.bc.ca
As a service to its members, Basketball BC posts current contact information for a number of leagues around the province.

Committed to the development of a coordinated information and referral network in British Columbia by fostering co-operation between agencies and providing a vehicle for regular communication and peer support and training.

A semi-automated information and referral line that provides 24-hour recorded information on topics related to mental health and mental illnesses, such as depression and schizophrenia, and how to find a counsellor. Volunteers/staff are available 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday to Friday to assist with locating community resources. Printed materials can be mailed to interested callers. A service of BC Partners for Mental Health and Addictions.

A fully accredited provider of information and referral services. An information and referral specialist will listen to your concerns, help you to assess your needs and provide information on, and referral to, resources that can help. BC211 offers training in information and referral skills and communication skills.

211
Phone:  604-875-6381
Fax:  604-660-9415
E-mail: Inform@communityinfo.bc.ca
Comprehensive information and referral service for the Lower Mainland. Provides information on and referral to, community and social services, including counseling, health, financial assistance, housing, employment, education, recreation, cultural and legal services. Service is funded by the United Way of the Lower Mainland and the City of Vancouver. Available 24/7.

Alcohol and Drug Information and Referral Service
Phone:  604-660-9382
Fax:  604-660-9415
Toll Free:  1-800-663-1441
E-mail: Inform@communityinfo.bc.ca
For people needing help with any kind of substance abuse. Referrals include treatment services for adults and youth, education/prevention resources, self-help group contacts for fetal alcohol syndrome and other addiction concerns. Funded by HealthLINK BC. Hours: 24 hours, seven days a week.

Problem Gambling Helpline
Fax:  604-660-9415
Toll Free:  1-888-795-6111
E-mail: PGHelpline@bc211.ca
For people wanting help and information about problem gambling. Referrals include counseling services for adults and youth, prevention resources, self-help groups and other community services. Funded by the Ministry of Hosing and Social Development. Available 24 hours, 7 days a week.

VictimLINK
Fax:  604-660-9415
Toll Free:  1-800-563-0808
E-mail: Inform@communityinfo.bc.ca
For victims of family and sexual violence, and all other crimes. Victim service workers provide crisis support and referrals to a network of community, social, health. Justice and government resources, including victim services, transition houses and counselling services. They also offer information on the justice system, relevant federal and provincial legislation and programs, crime prevention, safety planning and the Protection Orders Registry. Funded by the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Youth Against Violence Line
Web site: www.youthagainstviolenceline.com
Fax:  604-660-9415
Toll Free:  1-800-680-4264
E-mail: info@youthagainstviolenceline.com
Young people in BC can call to prevent or report incidents of youth violence or crime, or to seek assistance from local police. Parents, teachers, caregivers, service providers and others can also call for information about youth-related issues such as bullying and gangs. Funded by the Ministry of Public Saftey and Solicitor General. 24 hours, seven days a week.

A private, non-profit, self-regulatory organization, dedicated to promoting fairness and honesty in the marketplace. Provides business reliability reports, consumer/business dispute resolution, information on marketplace fraud and scams, and general consumer information.

Speakers' Bureau
Phone:  604-681-0312
E-mail: joanna@mbc.bbb.org
The Better Business Bureau Speakers' Bureau is available to speak to local organizations on a variety of topics, including: top scams, scams that target seniors, identity theft, about the BBB, how to protect yourself from common frauds and scams as well as BBB Mediation/Arbitration Programs and how to recognize a good business.

A professional organization that aims to enhance the professional and commercial interests of its members and protect the independence of the judiciary and the bar; provide personal and professional development and support to its members; promote fair justice systems and facilitate effective law reform; promote equality in the legal profession and eliminate discrimination.

Dial-A-Law
Web site: www.dialalaw.org
Phone:  604-687-4680
Toll Free:  1-800-565-5297
Dial-a-Law is a free service offering a library of transcripts prepared by lawyers to provide practical information on specific topics of law as they apply in British Columbia. Dial-a-Law transcripts are offered in English, Chinese and Punjabi. Transcripts are accessible by telephone and online. Scripts are now available in online format at www.dialalaw.org

Lawyer Referral Service
10th Floor, 845 Cambie St.
Vancouver,  BC   V6B 5T3   (Map)
Phone:  604-687-3221
Toll Free:  1-800-663-1919
E-mail: lawyerreferral@bccba.org
The Lawyer Referral Service is an easy way for people to access a lawyer. Members of the public are referred to a participating lawyer who provides up to a half hour consultation for a $25 fee (plus tax). After the consultation, if both parties agree to proceed with service, the lawyer's regular rate applies. Lawyer Referral Service's hours of operation are Monday to Friday, 8:30am - 4:30pm. For more information, visit the website: www.cba.org/bc (click on "Public and Media" and then on "Lawyer Referral Service").

Legal Speakers Bureau
Web site: www.publiclegaled.bc.ca
Phone:  604-331-5412
Toll Free:  1-866-331-5400
E-mail: sarinar@publiclegaled.bc.ca
The Legal Speakers Bureau provides a volunteer speaker to speak with a group of 15 or more for free. Volunteer speakers will come to your community centre, public library, school, or any other convenient meeting place, give your group a general presentation on a legal topic of your choice, and answer any questions from the presentation.

Volunteer Registry
The CBA BC Volunteer Registry gives lawyers in British Columbia the opportunity to volunteer at charitable organizations and agencies in need of legal expertise. Charitable organizations and agencies send the BC Branch information as to the kind of legal assistance they require. A request for legal assistance is compared to the registry of volunteer lawyers, and, if possible, a match is made. We then match the organization or agency with the appropriate lawyer. Further contact is left to the lawyer's discretion.

The Canadian Liver Foundation is committed to promote liver health and to reduce the incidence and impact of all liver disease through research, education and patient support programs.

Help Line Information and Referral Service
Phone:  604-707-6434
The Help Line is a confidential and anonymous telephone service providing accurate and timely information, as well as appropriate referrals regarding viral hepatitis and all forms of liver disease. The program strives to be accessible and seeks to enable callers to make informed decisions regarding their health. Reach the Help Line by calling 604-707-6434 or 1-800-856-7266.

Living with Liver Disease Programs and Workshops
E-mail: jwilliams@liver.ca
Offered several times a year in communities across BC and the Yukon, these programs provide patients and their family members with the opportunity to learn about their disease and its management. Seminars are conducted by speakers in local communities to cover topics such as liver and liver disease, viral hepatitis, healthy eating, psychology and coping with illness, transplantation and alternative therapies.

The Library
E-mail: liverhelpline@yahoo.ca
The library carries books, videos and pamphlets on all forms of liver disease. We also allow access to the internet to those people wishing further information about liver disease. All persons, whether they have a liver disease or are a health care provider, can access the library by becoming a library member. Approximately 300-400 books, manuals, videos and papers are available for borrowing. Printed information from the library is also available. Please email or call for more information.

The Knowledge Centre for Cerebral Palsy raises awareness of CP in the community, assists those living with CP to reach their maximum potential and works to see those living with CP realize their place as equals within a diverse society.

Information
Contact them to find out about services, programs and resources available to those living with or affected by Cerebral Palsy (CP). Publications on current topics related to CP are available. CPABC runs a lending library containing books and videos on all aspects of Cerebral Palsy for members. A quarterly newsletter, The Roundtable, provides information about Cerebral Palsy, the Association's activities, and news from the larger disabled community.

CNIB passionately provides community-based support, knowledge and a national voice to ensure Canadians who are blind or partially sighted have the confidence, skills and opportunities to fully participate in life.

CNIB Library
Toll Free:  1-800-268-8818
CNIB has one of the world’s largest specialized libraries for people with print disabilities, including more than 100,000 titles in Braille, print-Braille, talking books, descriptive videos, newspapers and magazines.

A non-profit, community-based organization offering affordable counselling, education, mediation and training to help families, couples, individuals, and youth solve problems.

Outreach to Chinese Parents
Offers monthly workshops about parenting in a new country. Offers information and hand-outs in Cantonese and Mandarin. An opportunity to learn about other programs and services in the community including counselling, community kitchens and immigrant services. A small fee is charged.

1-800-O-Canada is the primary telephone access point for information on Government of Canada programs and services. Bilingual information officers use an extensive database of information to answer questions, take orders for publications and direct callers to experts in government departments. Officers will be available to answer questions in person Monday-Friday 8am-8pm. More detailed contact information is available on the website.

HealthLink BC provides British Columbians with confidential health information and non-emergency services. By phone or on the web, access medically-approved health information and resources to help you stay healthy and work with your doctor and other health professionals to manage your health concerns. Just dial 8-1-1 for more information, nurses are readily available to answer your questions.

BC HealthFiles
Web site: www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthfiles/index.stm
BC HealthFiles are a series of fact sheets on a range of public health and safety issues which are updated regularly to include the latest BC health advice. Topics in HealthFiles are available in various languages. Visit the website, visit your nearest BC public health unit or join the email subscription service.

BC HealthGuide Handbook
Web site: www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthguide.stm
A handbook offering advice and information on over 200 common health concerns, as well as valuable tips on preventing illness, using easy home remedies and when to see a doctor. For a free copy, phone the BC Ministry of Health at 1-800-465-4911. Also available at the following locations: 1. English Handbooks are available at your local pharmacy or Government Agent's Office. 2. Chinese or Punjabi handbooks are available at many community or multicultural organizations, temples or English Language Services for Adults providers. 3. French handbooks are available through your local francophone organization. A handbook especially for First Nations people can be found here: http://www.healthlinkbc.ca/first_nations_healthguide.pdf

Dietitian Services
Web site: www.dialadietitian.org
Phone:  604-732-9191
Toll Free:  1-800-667-3438
E-mail: dial@dialadietitian.org
Dietitian Services at HealthLink BC provides a free nutrition information line for British Columbians. They specialize in quality nutrition information based on current scientific sources. Registered dietitians provide brief nutrition consultation by phone. Available weekdays 9am - 5pm. Translation services are available in over 130 languages upon request.

A foundation engaged in advocacy, public awareness, and funding research for improved understanding, prevention and treatment of cardio/cerebrovascular disease. Visit the local office for information and free brochures.

Patient Family Resource Centre
Located at the Richmond Hospital, the Resource Centre is a place for families and patients to get healthy heart information.

This ministry aims to promote sustainable and liveable communities that provide healthy and safe places for British Columbians.

BC Seniors' Guide
Web site: www.cserv.gov.bc.ca/seniors
Toll Free:  1-800-465-4911
E-mail: feedback@gov.bc.ca
This guide is available on the website and as a handbook containing information on programs and benefits available to seniors in BC. The guide is also available in Chinese, French and Punjabi. The toll-free BC Seniors' Line is also available as a source of information for government services, including information about health services.

A non-government charitable organization that aims to help British Columbians make and use effective Representation Agreements. A Representation Agreement is a legal Plan that says who you give authority to if you need assistance managing your affairs. It can cover financial, legal, health, and personal care matters. Offers information, referral, and plain language materials on Representation Agreements, Enduring Powers of Attorney, and Living Wills/Advanced Directives.

The Public Guardian and Trustee of British Columbia operates under provincial law to protect the legal rights and financial interests of children, to provide assistance to adults who need support for financial and personal decision making, and to administer the estates of deceased and missing persons where there is no one else able to do so. The Public Guardian and Trustee is an independent and impartial public official appointed for a six year term by the Lieutenant Governor in Council. It is the Public Guardian and Trustee's role to balance protection with autonomy and thereby ensure that people may live in the way they choose with the support of family and friends.

Services to Adults
Web site: http://www.trustee.bc.ca/services/adult/index.html
Phone:  604-775-1001
Fax:  604-660-9479
The PGT provides a range of services to adults who may need help managing their affairs as well as to their families, legal representatives, the courts and the general public. Services to adults fall into the following areas: Assessments and Investigations (helping adults get support and receiving reports of abuse or neglect), Health Care Decision-Making, Financial and Personal Care Management, Review and Monitoring of Private Committees, and Other Protective Services.

Richmond Caring Place Society houses several non-profit community service agencies, offering the community of Richmond a central, convenient facility for a variety of services. Community service agencies coordinate and achieve synergistic benefits from sharing a common location. Advantages for member agencies include collaborative programming, access to shared meeting rooms, and affordable, predictable operating costs.

The Richmond Centre for Disability (RCD) is a not-for-profit, multi-service, community based organization. The RCD offers a variety of specialized information, resources, projects and activities that assist people with disabilities to achieve greater control over the decisions that affect their lives and to achieve the goal of living more independently.

Access Richmond
Web site: www.accessrichmond.ca
E-mail: ella@rcdrichmond.org
Provides information on the accessibility of Richmond businesses, and tourist attractions for people with disabilities, also recognizes destinations that already offer outstanding accessibility through an easy-to-use online database (www.accessrichmond.ca).

Children and Youth Summer Camp
E-mail: ian@rcdrichmond.org
Specialized summer camp activities for children and youth with special needs for July and August.

Community Access for Computer
E-mail: ian@rcdrichmond.org
Provides barrier free access to computer technology to people with disabilities and general public. Free Internet access.

Information & Networking
E-mail: carrie@rcdrichmond.org
Provides information to participants and the general public about services, programs, products, and support pertaining to disability issues. Also offers information events such as open forums, fairs and training workshops.

Parking Permit for Persons with Disabilities
E-mail: kathy@rcdrichmond.org
The RCD is an authorized issuer of parking permits for individuals with disabilities to use accessible parking spots.

Peer Support & Social Interaction
E-mail: rich@rcdrichmond.org
Provides a forum for participants to exchange ideas, experiences and concerns in a comfortable atmosphere to create solutions that will overcome barriers in their personal lives, as well as foster socialization skills. Activities include recreational and social events.

Public Education Series
E-mail: carrie@rcdrichmond.org
Provides a regular schedule of workshops for a variety of topics pertaining to disability issues and some general community interests to members and the general public to stay better informed.

Skills Development
E-mail: viet@rcdrichmond.org
Provides supportive learning opportunities to participants in different areas of skills development such as employment, computer skills, English course, office skills, life skills and other initiatives as responding to the needs of the community.

Youth Engagement Project
E-mail: ella@rcdrichmond.org
A specialized project to provide opportunity for youth with disabilities to engage and socialize in the community. Guided by a Youth Council to promote peer support and sharing of experience among youth.

The Chamber is the main contact in the City of Richmond for potential and existing business people to obtain up-to-date business information and statistics. The Chamber seeks to support and represent the interests of businesses in Richmond and to promote the value of cultural interdependence in business.

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.

Information and Referral Services - Settlement Service
Phone:  604-279-7165
Offers services to newcomers in 12 different languages. Includes information on housing, settlement, adaptation, transportation, health care, education, and employment. Also provides interpretation and translation and helps newcomers fill out basic forms.

We are a team of public health practitioners working in partnership with our community to promote and protect health and to prevent injury and illness. We help children, youth, adults, families and neighbourhoods to be as healthy as possible.

Newborn Hotline
Phone:  604-737-3737
Speak with a public health nurse with questions about your baby. Service available 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m seven days a week.

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.

Career Assistance
Web site: www.richmondwomenscentre.bc.ca/help-groups/workshops/22-career-assistance
Advice on interview skills and resume-writing is available. Call to book an appointment.

English Conversation
340 - 7000 Minoru Blvd.
Richmond,  BC   Web site: www.richmondwomenscentre.bc.ca/help-groups/programs/12-english-conversation
A program for women with English as a second language. Meets Mondays from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. You must be a member of the Centre to participate.

French Speaking Women's Group
Web site: www.richmondwomenscentre.bc.ca/help-groups/support-groups/18-french-speaking-womens-group
The group connects with each other and helps Francophone women find their way in Metro Vancouver’s English-speaking world. Meets every Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at White Spot in Richmond Centre.

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.

Peer Support and Information & Referral
Web site: www.richmondwomenscentre.bc.ca/help-groups/support-groups
Trained volunteers will listen to your concerns and help you find resources in the community. Help is available in English, Farsi, Cantonese, Mandarin, and French. Available daily Monday - Thursday 10:30-4:00pm.

Single Mothers Support Group
Web site: www.richmondwomenscentre.bc.ca/help-groups/support-groups
Information and support about child custody and access. Free child care during the group is available. Meets Thursdays from 6pm to 8pm.

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.

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.

A website offering legal information and resources for seniors. Provides information on topics including Canada Pension Plan, Housing, Veterans' Benefits, Transportation, Income Tax, and Wills & Estates.

The Seniors Services Society is a non-profit organization providing temporary housing, housing information, information referral, community education and support services for seniors. Its temporary housing program, web-based Seniors Housing Directory of BC, Client Outreach Staff, and Housing Counsellor provide housing information, temporary housing and support to clients throughout the Lower Mainland. Its Support services serve New Westminster clients only and include Meals on Wheels, Grocery Shopping and delivery, Support Calls, Lunch Club, Dining Club, Transportation to medical appointments, Out and About for social activities and snow removal. See the website for more information or to view the directory.

Housing Directory
E-mail: info@seniorsservicessociety.ca
A comprehensive directory of over 2000 listings of seniors housing in BC. See the directory online on the website.

Housing Services
E-mail: housing@seniorsservicessociety.ca
Provides information on housing and services for seniors living in or wishing to live in the Lower Mainland. Offers Client Outreach, Community Education Services and a Seniors Resource Centre.

Information and Referral
E-mail: info@seniorsservicessociety.ca
A Program Coordinator provides information and referral services by telephone and in person. Drop-in and by appointment help with filling out forms also available. Annual tax clinic runs through March and April. Volunteers prepare taxes with a drop-in service Monday to Friday. Hours posted at the time of tax clinic.

Meals Programs
Delivers hot meals to people who are unable to cook for themselves because of age, disability or illness. Also operates two congregate meal programs. The Dining Club provides transportation for fifteen seniors to dinner Tuesday to Thursday from 5:00p.m. to 6:00p.m./ 6:30p.m. Transport to Century House for lunch for seniors Wednesdays and Fridays 10:45 a.m. To 1:30 p.m. Serves New Westminster residents.

Shop By Phone
E-mail: support@seniorsservicessociety.ca
This service is for seniors and people with disabilities who are unable to do their own grocery shopping. Volunteers take orders and do clients' grocery shopping which is delivered by the store. Operates Mondays and Tuesdays with next day delivery. Serves New Westminster.

Volunteer Opportunities
E-mail: support@seniorsservicessociety.ca
Opportunities include working with all programs offered to seniors including but not limited to Meals on Wheels, Shop by Phone, Outreach Help, Out and About program and office support.

Service BC is a provincial call centre that provides services to all British Columbia residents, on behalf of provincial government ministries, Crown corporations and public agencies. Hours of operation for Service BC are 7:30 a.m. To 5 p.m. -- Monday through Friday.

An independent, non-profit, non-political Society whose purpose is to provide British Columbians, especially those with particular legal needs with reliable and impartial information about the law. They do this by means of speakers, training workshops, publications, theatre, and special events. Call to order publications or to arrange for a speaker.

Justice Theatre
Phone:  604-331-5400
E-mail: dramas@publiclegaled.bc.ca
The actors of the Justice Theatre involve students as important participants in a dramatized criminal trial.

Speakers Program
Phone:  604-331-5412
E-mail: Caroline@publiclegaled.bc.ca
Provides speakers on legal topics to community groups in BC. Groups should consist of 15 or more people. The volunteer speakers include lawyers, accountants, and government representatives and will be provided at no cost. Please note that the speakers can give general legal education only.

Responsible for promoting the development and growth of the tourism industry by increasing visitor overnight stays, extending their length of stay as well as their spend while in Richmond. Tourism Richmond works with their members and partners to increase their economic benefit to the community of Richmond. Please visit their websites www.tourismrichmond.com and www.allinrichmond.com for more information.

Seasonal Visitor Centre
Corner of 3 Ave. and Moncton St. in Steveston Village
Richmond,  BC   E-mail: info@tourismrichmond.com
Seasonal opening: May and June - weekends only. July thru Labour Day - open daily

Visitor Centre
11980 Deas Thruway (Massey Tunnel)
Richmond,  BC   V6W 1L1   (Map)
Phone:  604-271-8280
Fax:  604-271-8281
Toll Free:  1-877-247-0777
E-mail: info@tourismrichmond.com
Tourism Richmond's Visitor Centre is part of Tourism British Columbia Network of Visitor Centres. The year round Visitor Centre is staffed by employees and volunteers to assist the travelling public with accommodation referrals and bookings, tours, directions, and all travel enquiries in Richmond and throughout British Columbia.

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.

BC Societies Network
Web site: www.societies.bc.ca/
The core group information of over 20,000 BC non-profit societies is hosted in an easily searchable format to help build the capacity of the voluntary sector. You must register using your society number and a valid email address and login for each use.

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.

Child Care Resource & Referral Centre
Offers a free, bilingual referral service for families seeking child care in Richmond, as well as information on the types of child care available and what to look for when choosing a child care provider. Parents can also pick up Child Care subsidy application packages here and get instructions on how to complete them. In addition, the Child Care Resource & Referral Centre supports licensed and registered license-not-required family child care providers by providing free access to a resource library and a start-up equipment lending service. License-not-required child care providers registered with the Child Care Resource & Referral Centre receive regular support visits, while support visits to licensed family child care facilities can be arranged upon request.

Information & Referral Services
A dedicated, experienced team of staff and volunteers provides community information and referral. The centre offers brochures, pamphlets, maps, guides and many government forms at the Richmond Caring Place and at the Community Information and Volunteer Centre located in Richmond Centre. Training is provided on basic information and referral skills and around community programs and services. Produces the Richmond Community Services Directory, which lists over 1300 programs and services available in Richmond. The online directory is hosted on the Richmond Public Library's website and can be accessed through VRIS' website at www.volunteerrichmond.ca. Click on the Info Richmond! Button.

Leadership Richmond
A leadership program that includes four modules: Youth Now; Enterprise; Next; and Community. Youth Now trains young adults who are high school graduates and under age 26 to serve as board members for local non-profit organizations. Next helps volunteer organizations benefit from the skills and experience of adults 50+. Enterprise will promote corporate volunteering and the transfer of business skills to the public sector. Community promotes volunteerism and builds community capacity through volunteer management training, workshops and information services.

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.

Richmond Senior Peer Counselling
E-mail: seniorpeercounselling@volunteerrichmond.ca
Trained senior volunteers, age 55 and older, offer free one-on-one counselling to guide and support their peers through difficult situations such as new living arraignments, relationship concerns, reduced income, bereavement, and anxiety or depression. Sessions can take place at the office, client's home or other locations. Referrals are accepted from individuals or health care providers, and are screened for appropriateness for the service. Clients are seen for up to six months, after which time referral can be made to other services. Volunteers complete a 54-hour training and supervised practicum. Funded by Vancouver Coastal Health to serve Richmond.

Seniors Community Support Services - Volunteer Shopping Programs
Volunteer Richmond Information Services works in partnership with Vancouver Coastal Health to provide shopping assistance for seniors and others with chronic health problems. The Shop-by-Phone service is for those who cannot get out to shop for their groceries. Volunteers also assist Continuing Health clients with group shopping or weekly in-person shopping at various location. For a select group of seniors or adults with long-term health problems, volunteer visitors, phoners, and drivers for medical appointments are possible through the Vancouver Coastal health Integrated Health network. Call to confirm eligibility.

Seniors Information & Referral
Trained senior 55+ volunteers provide information and referral regarding community services to seniors ages 55 and older. Also assists seniors navigate through government systems, and fill out application forms. Topics include pensions, income tax, citizenship and permanent residency, medical plan, pharmacare, legal resources, housing, and shelter aid for renters. Service is available by phone, as well as by appointment or drop-in at the office, 9 am to 4 pm Monday to Friday. Also offered by appointment at the West Richmond Community Centre Mondays 10 am to 2 pm. The Seniors Information line is available to answer any questions about benefits and entitlements for seniors. There are trained volunteers available Monday to Friday 9 am to 4 pm.

Volunteer Centre
Helps potential volunteers find appropriate and satisfying volunteer opportunities, offers volunteer management training and consultation to local non-profit organizations, and promotes volunteerism within the community. Our Volunteer Match program helps connect individuals with volunteer opportunities. Visit our on-line database at www.volunteerrichmond.ca. Click on the Volunteer Richmond! Button.