A Richmond-based non-profit is looking for members to help it expand and become a registered charity.
Blanket BC Society is inviting the public to attend its annual general meeting on April 20 in the hopes of recruiting experienced board members to join their team.
The non-profit was founded by Gregory Ould and his son Benjamin in 2005 when the two were asked by a homeless person for a blanket to survive the night.
Since then, a blanket drive has been held every year where collected blankets and warm clothing are donated to shelter programs and families in need almost immediately.
"We've had wonderful passionate people on our board but no one's professional enough to understand what needs to be done and we want to turn that around," said Ould.
"We want to get our charity status, but we need to do it with people who have experience."
He added it has been difficult to find people "with experiences to come out and help the smaller guys."
Ould told the Richmond News it has been difficult to receive grants from the provincial government to help their cause.
"Even though we've applied for grants that we qualify for, we haven't received any from our government and to find out bigger organizations get them instead is disheartening," said Ould.
"I feel we're the ones that are boots on the ground, helping people directly. We can name people that we help and tell and share stories that are just absolutely heartbreaking."
Saturday's event will have food and beverages, and guest speakers entrepreneur Ryan Omeasoo and wrestler and stunt actor Scotty Mac will share their stories and insights on community work.
The meeting will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. on April 20 at the community hub, next to MLA Henry Yao's office, near Richmond Brighouse Station.
Ould said this meeting will not only share the organization's mission but also gather like-minded people to make sure people do not have to choose between staying warm and keeping food on the table.
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