gslade@medicinehatnews.com@MHNGillianSlade
The Medicine Hat and District Food Bank says it has let go of a volunteer who was going door to door on its behalf without permission, seeking signatures for a petition to get rid of The Mustard Seed.
A member of the News editorial department had someone presenting herself as from the food bank knocking at their door on Wednesday. The woman said there was no need for The Mustard Seed because the food bank had purchased premises on Maple Avenue. There appeared to be about two dozen signatures on the petition.
Celina Symmonds, executive director for the food bank, says this individual was not working in collaboration with the food bank.
“Absolutely not. We do not have anyone petitioning on behalf of the food bank,” said Symmonds. “We support The Mustard Seed all the time. They come here to get food.”
Symmonds later told the News that a volunteer had come forward and admitted they had been going door to door with a petition, and admitted they had been giving the impression they were doing so on behalf of the food bank. That volunteer, Symmonds says, has been let go as a result.
Symmonds says anyone asked to sign such a petition regarding The Mustard Seed should call the food bank (403-528-4313).
The Mustard Seed says there is a large need in this community, and it has a “healthy and collaborative relationship” with other local service agencies.
“The petition suggests that Medicine Hat donations are not being used for Medicine Hat programs,” said Colette Eirich, managing director for The Mustard Seed in Medicine Hat.
Since last October a total of $460,000 has been invested in Medicine Hat, said Eirich. The total funds received from the community in that time frame was $308,000. All funds donated locally are invested locally.
“We do not believe one organization can meet all the needs of those experiencing poverty and homelessness,” said Eirich. “We hope there is the realization that the community should support more organizations reaching out … rather than less. We are all in this together.”
The Mustard Seed is a Christian non-profit organization that has been caring for individuals experiencing poverty and homelessness since 1984.
The Mustard Seed announced in the fall of 2019 that it was opening up in Medicine Hat. Its building is at 503a Allowance Avenue. It also operates The Champion’s Centre on N. Railway Street and the Oasis Cafe on Allowance Avenue and what was previously called the Hope Street Compassionate Ministry. The Mustard Seed has plans to establish a family resource hub and a wellness centre in the building complete with a community kitchen.
In July city council gave approval for the food bank to take over the former Maple Avenue fire hall to create a “Community Food and Wellness Hub,” which has been a long-term goal for the organization.
The purchase price of the fire hall was $1.3 million, though as part of the deal, the city will acquire the current food bank location on S. Railway Street for $500,000, plus transaction costs. The deal is expected to be completed this fall.
— with files from Scott Schmidt
