We are proud to support several local non-profits and charities, and The Mustard Seed is a fantastic organization we’ve been supporting for many years now. This time of year, there is particular need for support for groups like The Mustard Seed who work with our city’s most vulnerable population—the homeless.
If you are not familiar with The Mustard Seed, here’s a bit about them:
The Mustard Seed has been serving people experiencing poverty and homelessness in Alberta since the ‘80s. It has become a haven for those needing help, which is offered through open hands with unconditional love. Today, The Mustard Seed in Calgary offers an expansive range of innovative programs and services, including education and employment programs, health and wellness services, basic needs through a shelter for 370 men and women, spiritual care and housing. In March 2014, The Mustard Seed opened the 1010 Centre, which provides homes to 224 low-income individuals, many of whom have just come out of homelessness. [The Mustard Seed]
If you’re looking for a way to give back to The Mustard Seed this month, they have put out a call for some very specific items that they are in need of right now:
- Backpacks: they need 380 backpacks for Christmas gifts that are filled with the following items: toque, gloves, underwear, ball cap, travel mug (no ceramics), first aid kit, disposable razors, flashlight, toothbrush, travel size kleenex, gift cards (Tim Horton’s $5, dollar store $10) and crossword books.
- Men’s underwear: sizes medium and large, must be brand new.
- Warm winter gloves: these can be new or used.
Other urgent items, as listed on their website include:
- Transit tickets
- Men’s & women’s underwear (brand new only please)
- Men’s jeans/jogging pants
- Towels
- Deodorant
- Toothbrushes
- Disposable razors
Each month the Resource Sorting Centre distributes approximately:
- 1,000 toothbrushes
- 2,000 disposable razors
- 500 men’s deodorant
- 200 pairs of men’s brand new underwear
All listed items will be gratefully received at:
- The Mustard Seed Downtown 102 11 Ave SE, Seven days a week, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- The Mustard Seed Shelter 7025 44 St SE, Seven days a week, 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.
- The Mustard Seed Resource Sorting Centre: Bay 27, 4216-54 Ave SE, Tuesday – Saturday, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
If you want to give in other ways, organizations can always use monetary donations, and you can donate money to The Mustard Seed online. You can also volunteer for The Seed, as an individual, group or school. More information on volunteering can be found on their website here.
