Volunteer Spotlights
On behalf of the City of Richmond and our community partner organizations, we would like to express our heartfelt thanks for each volunteers’ contribution in building a vibrant and connected Richmond community.
The 2025 Volunteer Spotlights recognizes and celebrates all of the volunteers listed and the contribution they make to strengthen inclusivity and well-being in our communities. Each individual volunteer contribution creates momentum and has the power to influence and inspire others. This year we celebrate the impact that volunteers have made to the Richmond community through their time, kindness, generosity and commitment to volunteering.
David Yan, Pickleball
David volunteered in his early years as an opportunity and desire to spend quality time with his kids and their friends by either coaching or managing their various sports teams. Now, he’s very active with pickleball which provides him with a sense of purpose and accomplishment, knowing that he’s making a positive impact in the community and the lives of others.
Learn more about David
Years of volunteering in Richmond
Since 2003
Why do you volunteer?
In the early years, it was an opportunity and desire to spend quality time with my kids and their friends by either coaching or managing their various sports teams. Now, I’m very active with pickleball and it provides me a sense of purpose and accomplishment, knowing that I’m making a positive impact in the community and the lives of others.
Top 2 volunteering experiences in Richmond
1. Vice-President of the Richmond BC Pickleball Association (RBCPA)
2. Coaching and managing youth sports teams in softball, soccer and basketball
How has volunteering helped you connect with others and to your community?
In my current role as VP of the RBCPA, I’m active in encouraging new players to learn the sport and introducing members and public players to each other to create an engaging environment for everyone. By doing so, we have fostered a sense of community and belonging that has led to improved physical and mental health for myself and many others.
Interesting fact
I’ve been an avid, diehard Vancouver Canucks fan since 1972 and have three rooms in my house dedicated to Canucks memorabilia.
Bianca Lok, RCMP
Bianca has volunteered with the RCMP for over 2 years. She started volunteering as she was looking to become an RCMP Member. She searched for opportunities to gain policing experience to further her knowledge and attain hands-on experience while giving back to the community making it a better and safer place and making her feel more connected to Richmond.
Learn more about Bianca
Years of volunteering in Richmond
2 years
Why do you volunteer?
I was looking to become an RCMP Member. I searched for opportunities to gain policing experience to further my knowledge and attain hands-on experience while giving back to the community making it a better and safer place and making me feeling more connected to Richmond.
Top 2 volunteering experiences in Richmond
1. Steveston Salmon Festival
2. Public Works Open House
How has volunteering helped you connect with others and to your community?
I’ve been able to connect with like-minded individuals, which makes the volunteer experience very special. Even as an introvert, meeting new volunteers is exciting as I get to know them and see how our paths cross as volunteers. As I continue to volunteer, the reward grows knowing that I’m contributing to our community.
Interesting fact
I enjoy driving my Toyota RAV4 or Yamaha FZ07. While on the road, I love car spotting with my favourites being Mazda Miata, RX7, Jeep Wrangler, FJ cruiser, GR86 and more! Ask me for a Miata sticker if you see me!