As part of Giving Tuesday efforts, the Mustard Seed is collecting donations to help provide meals to those living rough through the winter months. Donations made before midnight Wednesday will be matched by the Arnie J. Charbonneau Foundation.--NEWS FILE PHOTO
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Medicine Hat’s Mustard Seed is seeking aid from the community to help provide meals to those in need on Giving Tuesday, which follows Cyber Monday and is touted as a ‘generosity movement’ to support non-profits and other organizations.
For Giving Tuesday and with the support of the Arnie J. Charbonneau Foundation, eligible monetary donations made before midnight on Wednesday will be matched.
“And so this is a great way for people who are looking to support us,” said senior director of community and volunteer engagement Dave Conrad. “It’s a great way for them to double their impact.”
This will help the Mustard Seed provide 200,000 meals to individuals and families facing hunger in Medicine Hat and across Western Canada.
With the Allowance Avenue Community Impact Centre closed, the Mustard Seed has transitioned its programs in Medicine Hat to a mobile service model, which provides food, essential items and support directly to people where they are while continuing to serve meals at the Eighth Street shelter.
“Even through major transitions, our commitment to Medicine Hat has remained strong,” said Conrad. “Our mobile teams and shelter staff continue to ensure people receive nourishing meals and compassionate support exactly where it’s needed most.”
Funds given today and Wednesday will support the Mobile meal distribution throughout the community, warm meals served daily at the Eighth Street shelter, delivery of winter clothing and hygiene items, as well as continued outreach support for individuals impacted by the CIC closure.
Throughout the month of November, the Mustard Seed says it was able to help 11 individuals find new sustainable housing and find maintainable shelter.
“Even in these seasons of transition, people are still being helped and a large part of that is due to the people of Medicine Hat and the generosity and the support that we received,” added Conrad.
The Mustard Seed also says it is desperately low on winter boots and large winter gloves this season and is asking the community for donations. Other winter clothing items urgently needed this season include coats, toques, socks and underwear, as well as hygiene items.
At the time of publication, the Mustard Seed’s website reached had 27 per cent of its donation goal. You can visit theseed.cato donate.
— with files from Brendan Miller
