Local group lending helping hands to those in need of financial support

By KENDALL KING on May 18, 2023.

A group of Hatters hopes give a hand up to those in need, and is inviting others to support by participating in its first public event on June 10.

With the onset of the pandemic and subsequent global recession, Hatters Thomas Wilde, Jeremy Bruins and Devon Potvin witnessed a growing need for financial assistance within the community, but saw that existing support services were limited in reach.

“There isn’t a ton of support in certain areas,” Potvin told the News. “There’s just some expenses that don’t qualify for some people. Sports equipment, tires on a car, family needs, things like that kind of fall through the cracks.”

Wanting to assist community members facing financial challenges, the trio decided to establish a unique support resource in 2021, the Hand Up Charitable Collective.

A volunteer-run nonprofit, the Hand Up Charitable Collective aims to provide short-term financial assistance to Hatters in need who are unable to access other local supports.

“We’re not looking to duplicate (existing) services … We’re just looking to help the sort of outliers,” said Bruins. “We’re looking to support people who just need a hand. And that’s what it’s meant to be: a one-time hand up, not a handout.”

In order to connect with Hatters in need, the collective accepts requests and referrals from individuals, as well as organizations and institutions within the community. Wilde, Bruins and Potvin review all submissions to determine the scope of need and the best means of approach, though they guarantee the identities of individuals who receive assistance will remain confidential.

Since its establishment, the collective has provided support to a handful of individuals throughout the city, yet has operated largely under the radar of the general public – an action they say was intentional, as they wish to maintain a number of submissions manageable for their unpaid three-member board.

Over time however, as the collective has become more established, the need for public support has increased, prompting the trio to kickstart public fundraising efforts to generate a small funding reserve.

“When we (get a request for assistance), we need to act fast,” said Bruins. “So it’s better to have that support in advance.”

The trio invite Hatters to take part in their first fundraising event on June 10- the Hand Up Charitable Collective Annual Cornhole Tournament.

Jointly hosted by Medicine Hat’s Silver Buckle Sports Bar and Grit City Distillery, the tournament runs from 1-6 p.m.

Attendees can either register to participate, competing in teams of two, with the $100 team entry fee going toward the collective and several prizes up for grabs; or they can show their support by attending as spectators and making a donation.

The event will also include outdoor beer gardens with live music.

For details, to register or to learn more about support opportunities, text 403-710-3894 or email handupmedhat@gmail.com.