Let’s Thank Our Wonderful Volunteers!
At Westminster Canterbury Richmond, we are so grateful for the spirit of generosity that characterizes our community – generosity of time, talent and treasure. We love celebrating this! Those who selflessly give their time to support the many facets of our vision – improving the lives of those we serve every day – illustrate a wonderful example of generosity. We’re proud to count over 500 resident and non-resident volunteers among our Westminster Canterbury family. In 2018 alone, these caring and giving individuals gave over 33,000 hours of their time to serve our residents in a host of ways – serving with Pastoral Care, transporting residents to and from activities, providing clerical support, assisting residents with recreation activities, ushering in the Sara Belle November Theater and providing a listening ear and a friendly companion for a resident, among other things. Each spring, we honor our volunteers during National Volunteer Week. Each February, we present the Laurel Awards for outstanding service to several distinguished Westminster Canterbury volunteers.
In this season of giving thanks, Westminster Canterbury Foundation sends special appreciation to the resident volunteers of the Shops on Main, Fall Craft Fair, Small Crafts and Unique Boutique. Each week, these very dedicated volunteers give generously of their time and talent – diligently working to prepare donations of clothing, furniture and household items for weekly Friday sales and making innovative and beautiful craft and art items for sale. All of the proceeds from their efforts are contributed to the Foundation’s Annual Fellowship Fund. Fellowship provides needed housing, meals and life-saving medical care to more than 100 seniors-in-need each year through confidential financial aid, allowing these wonderful, giving seniors to become residents at Westminster Canterbury.
Our Shops on Main, Fall Craft Fair, Small Crafts and Unique Boutique volunteers’ fundraising efforts make a key contribution to the approximately $1.65 million that must be raised each year to support the Fellowship Program. In fact, in 2018 alone, their combined efforts contributed $157,924 to the Annual Fellowship Fund! In 2017, they received the Lettie Pate Whitehead Evans Award for Distinguished Volunteer Leadership. Thank you for your dedication!
If you are on campus this Friday, November 8, please join us outside the Shops on Main from 10 a.m. to noon for a special treat to thank our dedicated volunteers and our generous patrons who shop here. Both of these groups improve the lives of so many wonderful seniors. While you’re with us, don’t forget to browse the shops for that perfect item of holiday décor, special piece of clothing or jewelry or even a beautiful piece of furniture. If you are a volunteer or a shopper, we’re so grateful!
For more information on Westminster Canterbury’s Fellowship Program or to make a gift please contact Jeanette Ucci at (804) 264-6204 or visit www.wcrichmond.org/foundation.