July Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Annie!

The United Nations General Assembly has proclaimed 2026 as the International Year of Volunteers! To celebrate, we're highlighting a different RCRG volunteer each month. We hope that their inspiring stories help to Ignite Volunteerism in our community and encourage you to start your own volunteer journey.

Behind strong communities are dedicated volunteers who quietly make a difference - and Annie Cheung is one of them. Her journey with RCRG began in 2009, back when we were known as Volunteer Richmond Information Services. Over the years, she has become a steady presence across many our programs.

One of Annie’s most memorable experiences was volunteering at the Richmond O Zone celebration site during the 2010 Winter Olympics. RCRG had been contracted by the City of Richmond to lead local volunteer efforts for the Games, giving Annie - and hundreds of other Richmond residents - an opportunity to be part of a significant moment in the city’s history. That experience sparked a lasting connection with RCRG, and she has remained actively involved ever since.

Annie now plays an important behind-the-scenes role as an office volunteer assistant. She helps keep daily operations running smoothly through tasks such as photocopying, organizing materials, stuffing envelopes, and entering volunteer hours. She is also a dedicated data entry volunteer for the Richmond Christmas Fund. When additional support is needed, she is always willing to step in. Whether at registration or in the toy room, Annie brings flexibility and reliability to every task.

Beyond her work with RCRG, Annie’s commitment to volunteering extends across the community. She has been sharing her time and making a difference since 2002, when she first began volunteering at Gateway Theatre. She continues to contribute there today, balancing her time between both organizations and showing remarkable dedication to her community.

At the heart of her involvement, Annie says volunteering comes from a genuine desire to give back. It has helped her build confidence, develop new skills, and gain meaningful life experiences. It has also introduced her to new friendships and helped her stay active, engaged, and connected. For her, volunteering is about teamwork and being part of something meaningful.

What continues to motivate Annie is the sense of purpose volunteering gives her. She values the opportunity to contribute and enjoys meeting people from all walks of life, often recognizing familiar faces across different events and organizations. She is also encouraged by the growing number of volunteer opportunities in Richmond, and how accessible they have become through the City of Richmond's Volunteer Portal and RCRG’s Volunteer Now database.

Having gained so much from her own experiences, Annie encourages others to take the first step. “Don’t be scared. If you’re interested, just try it,” she says. She also notes that volunteering can be a great way to improve English skills and build confidence, something she has experienced firsthand over the years.

Another memory that stands out for Annie is her time volunteering at the annual Steveston Beer & Wine Fest, which raises proceeds for the Richmond Christmas Fund. For her, it is more than just an event - it is a moment where the community truly comes together. She enjoys seeing people gather not only to celebrate but to give generously and support those in need.

After more than two decades of volunteering, Annie’s story is a reminder that the strength of a community is not built through grand gestures, but through steady acts of care, connection, and commitment. These quiet, consistent contributions are what bring people together and help a community grow stronger over time.