By Sheldon Spackman

Addressing Urgent Needs

Mustard Seed sees outpouring of support to address urgent community needs

May 6, 2020 | 7:20 PM

Officials with The Mustard Seed in Red Deer are sharing their appreciation for what is being described as an outpouring of community support during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Giving Tuesday took place yesterday, and Byron Bradley, Managing Director – Central Alberta, at The Mustard Seed, says they saw outstanding support throughout the day.

“There was a noticeable increase in donations and our community proved how much they care for our vulnerable neighbours, especially during a pandemic,” exclaims Bradley. “Again, we are so thankful to each individual who supported us on this day and continue to do so.”

Bradley says The Mustard Seed stands to benefit again this weekend when the Primary Care Network (PCN) Women’s Fun Run takes place on Saturday.

“The funds from the PCN Women’s Fun Run will support our School Lunch Program,” he explains. “This program provides a daily, nutritious lunch for school children throughout the year who are experiencing poverty in Red Deer.”

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Bradley points out that their lunch program serves 35 schools (and counting), and provided over 60,000 lunches in 2019.

“This is a vital program for our community’s children and the funds will ensure they continue to be nourished and cared for during the year, expanding our program to even more schools to help even more children,” adds Bradley. “Even throughout the pandemic and the closing of schools, we have continued this program for our community.”

Bradley reiterates that food security and proper nourishment remains an urgent need for the community during COVID-19.

“Scottsville Auto Group offered their support to The Mustard Seed to help get fresh lunches to our most vulnerable students, so we are working on a plan with them to make this happen,” he explains. “The needs are being met with the School Lunch Program, and lunches are available at our front door to families and to the school staff that are connected to the families.”

Bradley says The Mustard Seed has now expanded to a 24/7 operation due to the urgent requests from government, and the community to maintain their sober environment, and keep their unhoused guests inside as much as possible to adhere to Alberta Health regulations.

“We are unable to have as many volunteers in our building, so our team has been very busy caring for our guests and the community at large,” he remarks. “We have seen an increase in people coming to our door from the community at large, and we are happy to do all we can to help each individual and each family that comes for support. We do have some new volunteer opportunities and if people are interested please email volunteerreddeer@theseed.ca.”

The Mustard Seed has also partnered with the Red Deer Food Bank and other partners to offer hamper deliveries.

“We have targeted families whose children will be receiving lunches from our school lunch program,” he explains. “If they would like to request a hamper, please go to www.theseed.ca and click the “Red Deer Food Bank” banner to request help.”

In addition, Bradley encourages anyone that is facing challenges in their lives, to please call The Mustard Seed for support at this time, at 403-347-1844.