The Mustard Seed celebrates 10 years in Red Deer

When asked if she believes they’ve made the impact today that they set out to achieve 10 years ago, she said they’ve accomplished more than she dreamed possible.

“The population that we serve is the most vulnerable in our city… We’ve worked really hard to showcase the good that we do in the community and how we help people move forward, create safe spaces, and that part has grown exceedingly more than I ever could have imagined,” she said. “The impact that we’ve had has been huge.”

Giesbrecht said those who attended the celebration ranged from clients to community members, donors, and volunteers. But really, it was a joint celebration for everyone who’s been a part of the 10-year journey.

She said that, on average, in Red Deer, they have about 9,000 volunteer hours per year, marking just over 90,000 hours since 2016.

“We’re blessed to be a part of such a great community, and Red Deerians have always really supported what we do. It’s so fun to see so many familiar faces. It’s been a great turnout,” she added.

“Our vision is to eliminate homelessness and reduce poverty where we serve. We’re always looking for creative ways to accomplish that that are unique to the communities we serve. One of the best ways to eliminate homelessness is to get people housed, so we’re also celebrating the opening of some of our housing units. That’s been a dream that we’ve had from when we first opened in Red Deer.”

It all started in 2016 when the Loaves and Fishes Benevolent Society transferred its assets to The Mustard Seed. Since then, the organization has supported families and individuals experiencing homelessness and poverty throughout the region.

Over the past decade, The Mustard Seed has offered shelter, daily drop-in, employment, housing services, and many activities for community members to take part in. In that time, they have recorded a total of 94,994 nightly shelter check-ins.

The Mustard Seed’s School Lunch Program also provides lunches to over 500 children daily. This program has been running for over 21 years to support children across Central Alberta. In 2025, over 92,000 school lunches were provided to more than 50 schools in and around Red Deer.

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The Mustard Seed celebrated 10 years in Red Deer on Monday

♬ Rockin – Chris Alan Lee

The Mustard Seed reported that over 919,000 meals have been served at the Red Deer location since it opened.

CEO of The Mustard Seed, James Gardiner, said behind every one of those meals is a person who needs to eat.

“Food is kind of like oxygen, you don’t think of it over the normal course of events, but if you don’t have it, it’s the only thing you think about,” he said. “Where am I going to get my meal today? Think about what that does to your brain. If your brain is in survival mode constantly, it’s really hard to get on with your life. That’s what happens in here. We reduce that issue for people. We get them safe and they’re welcome here.”

Gardiner also reported that out of the seven cities they’re located in, Red Deer has the highest percentage of population that donates to The Mustard Seed.

“It’s the highest of all of our cities by 60 per cent. It’s 60 per cent higher as a percentage of per capita. That’s a testament to the community here,” he added.

by Ian Gustafson

The Mustard Seed celebrates 10 years in Red Deer

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