Chris Howells, a member of Community View Lions Club, presents the Mustard Seed's managing director, Colette Eirich, with a $5,000 cheque to purchase appliances for a new laundry program.--SUBMITTED PHOTO
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The Mustard Seed will soon be able to launch a laundry program after receiving a $5,000 donation from the Medicine Hat Community View Lions Club. The money was used to purchase two sets of washers and dryers, which are currently on site waiting to be hooked up.
The new program will allow guests to bring in laundry, with volunteers on hand with soap and laundry bags, says Colette Eirich, Mustard Seed’s managing director. She says hours will be based on volunteer availability.
“Anything that we can do to help these guests become independent, giving them a sense of empowerment that they can figure out and learn how to wash their clothes and take care of themselves is nice,” she said.
The Lions Club is a volunteer organization with 25-30 members ranging from 12 years old, the club’s “little lions,” to retired individuals, says Hailey Gale, president of Community View Lions Club.
“We were approached by Colette at the Mustard Seed and just seeing the need in our community with regards to shelter-based services and just that everyone deserves clean clothing to wear despite what your housing situation might be,” said Gale. “That’s a need we feel in our community needs to be met, so we decided to partner with the Mustard Seed and provide those much needed appliances for their shelter hoping that with the donation they can help to serve a very vulnerable group in our city.”
Gale says helping organizations like the Mustard Seed is what the Lions Club is for, adding there has been an uptick in requests for help as of late.
“It’s good because every little bit helps in our community and I think at this point during COVID we’re seeing a lot more needs coming to the surface, not that they didn’t exist before but we’re more aware of them,” said Gale. “I think if we have the ability to provide help within our community, that’s what we’re here for.”
Eirich says having support from donors like the Lions Club shows the Mustard Seed’s work is making a difference.
“I really want to emphasize a thank-you to Community View Lions Club that they are supporting our programs,” said Eirich. “They’re so appreciative of us being in town and you always know your efforts are being recognized when you hear that type of stuff.”
The Mustard Seed’s laundry program is preparing to get started and Eirich says a hair-cutting program could be added to the same room in the future.
