C A L G A R Y | E D M O N T O N | R E D D E E R | K A M L O O P S | M E D I C I N E H A T

T H E M U S T A R D S E E D

Karon has been a resident in The Mustard Seed’s affordable housing building for over five years. Due to her pre-existing medical conditions, she had to self-isolate in her apartment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Being alone was a huge change for Karon, who used to be found surrounded by friends and taking part in various social groups like knitting and bead working.

“I honestly feel cut off. I’m isolated and scared – I don’t want to catch this,” Karon admitted.

Karon relies on the support of our counsellors, wellness advocates, and occupational therapists to maintain her health. She struggles with Calcium Pyrophosphate Deposition Disease (CPPD), and other severe health issues that affect her breathing and mobility. These afflictions put her at higher risk for infectious disease; this raised heavy concern for Karon when the pandemic broke.

“If I do catch this, because of my breathing issues, I’m going to be in a lot of trouble,” Karon said.

Due to self-isolation, Karon couldn’t go to the grocery store. But, with your support, we were able to ensure she was taken care of during the outbreak of the pandemic. Because of your generous gifts, we were able to ensure that people like Karon were able to have food, shelter and wellness supports. She understands the importance of a good meal, and in return, she made baked goods to give back to those around her, such as staff and other residents.

“The staff have basically gone out of their way to keep people safe. They’re handling it really, really well,” Karon explained. “I’m proud of the way they’ve been handling things.”

Karon was able to continue her rehabilitation through virtual sessions with our wellness advocates. With your help, The Mustard Seed remained operating, providing important supports to those who need it most.

“I’m very grateful for The Mustard Seed. Where would I be if I didn’t have it?” Karon said.

BY LEADING WITH A HEART OF HOPE, YOU EMPOWER AND INSPIRE CHANGE IN THIS VERY COMMUNITY

PROVIDING THE GIFT OF HEALTH & WELLNESS

Karon, Resident of The Mustard Seed

60,500 +health and wellness services

provided annually

As COVID-19 swept across the globe this past spring, the world was in a state of constant change. At times, it felt hopeless. But Joanne, a retired principal and hobby-sewer, knew she wasn’t going to let the pandemic bring her down. She found a way to build hope for not only herself, but for others as well.

As Joanne heard of people struggling, she asked herself, “What can I do to help?”

After hearing about a local business that was hiring people to sew cloth masks for charities, the gifted sewer knew she had found her way of giving back.

After Joanne finished the masks, she was given payment for her hard work. However, she selflessly turned the money down and said, “It was a pure joy just to do it.” Rather than Joanne receiving her earned wage, the money was donated to her charity of choice; that charity was The Mustard Seed.

“I believe everyone has a responsibility to the common good,” Joanne said. “I feel very privileged to have a home, to have shelter, and to have the means to stay safe. There are so many who don’t have that.”

A HOBBY FOR HOPE Because of the selfless gifts of donors like Joanne, we were able to not only feed people in need, but to also provide safety equipment, like cloth masks, to protect our guests - many of whom already suffer from pre-existing health conditions.

“People on the margins, people who are most vulnerable, deserve quality of life, shelter, and safety. I’ve got time and that’s my motivation right now,” Joanne said.

PAYING IT FORWARDMost of us take handwashing for granted. But for many of our guests, having the ability to wash their hands during this pandemic meant the difference between life and death. Our guests desperately needed hygiene products, especially hand soap, to stay healthy and safe.

Every day, our guests rely on the compassion and generosity of complete strangers to ensure they can have a brighter tomorrow. Jaeson, CEO of CleanO2, recognized the immense need to help those suffering from homelessness during the pandemic. Although CleanO2 is a small business, his team put their big hearts together to give back to the local community in an innovative way – creating and then donating hand soap to The Mustard Seed.

“We don’t have a lot of resources but that doesn’t mean that because we’re small we can’t help,” Jaeson explained. “I think all organizations should dig deep and find ways of helping each other. We are all in this together.”

Jaeson, having gone through difficult times in his own life, understood the vital importance of a helping hand and how the kindness of strangers can change a life.

“We were incredibly excited for the opportunity to provide our liquid hand soap to The Mustard Seed. It made all of us smile because we knew we were being active in helping our community,” Jaeson said. “That’s really why we are in business, to help people and make the world a better place.”

“I BELIEVE EVERYONE HAS A RESPONSIBILITY TO THE

COMMON GOOD.”— Joanne

Joanne, a generous and talented donor

Jaeson, CEO of CleanO2

THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING During the COVID-19 pandemic, our staff remained dedicated to providing essential services to those in need. Frontline staff - those working with our guests every day - have been heroes for our organization throughout this time. Your gifts and prayers were the fuel that kept our staff going and our doors open.

Nathan, a Street Level Supervisor at The Mustard Seed, is thankful to donors who recognized the critical needs during the pandemic. Seeing guests walk through our doors each day and the expressions of gratitude on their faces for a meal and a warm place to stay - is why he comes to work every single day.

“In the midst of consistent chaos, I’m proud to be a part of a place that is pulling together and ready to serve our community,” Nathan said. “We have not stopped to leave our community without services and that makes me happy.”

Beyond meeting our guests’ immediate needs, like food and shelter, Joshua, Manager of Clinical Operations and Programs at The Mustard Seed, knew providing wellness services was crucial to overall health. After hearing from guests suffering with mental health issues,Joshua was determined to keep in touch with all our guests and let them know they had a community that cared for them.

Thanks to donors like you, we were able to continue counselling through creative means, offering virtual video therapy sessions. Many of our guests live alone and do not have family or friends to rely on for mental and emotional support. Your donation ensured that these individuals could continue on their path of recovery in a safe and supportive space.

SERVING FOOD & HOPE TO THOSE IN NEEDLike so many people across our nation, Lee, a chef at a restaurant, was hit by the economic impacts that the COVID-19 pandemic had on small businesses. After having worked at a local steakhouse for 12 years, he was laid off.

But instead of feeling sorry for himself, Lee decided to use his skills to help others during these challenging times.

“I thought, let’s do something to help out and get out of the house for a little bit,” Lee explained. “The only way I know how to help people is cooking.”

With nothing but time and an eagerness to help, Lee reached out to The Mustard Seed. Without hesitation, he offered his culinary skills to feed those experiencing homelessness and poverty.

“I thought if I could do this - help people that need help right now - then it’s worth it,” Lee said.

He began volunteering four days a week, helping to prepare healthy, nutritious meals for our guests. Serving food to nearly 100 hungry individuals each shift, Lee humbly said, “I’m not in it for the glory. I’m just in it to help and do my part.”

You, and many others like you, have contributed your time through volunteering; donating urgently needed items; and giving financially to keep our essential services and vital programming running during this time.

Lee, Volunteer at The Mustard Seed

Leah, Employee at The Mustard Seed

503,000 +meals served in 2019

TO

TheSeed.ca

CALGARYDowntown Support Centre 102 11 Ave SE, Calgary, AB p. 403.269.1319 | e. Info@theseed.ca

Calgary Shelter 7025 44 St SE, Calgary, AB

p. 403.723.9422 | e. Info@theseed.ca

Neighbour Centre #24 6060 Memorial Dr NE, Calgary, AB

EDMONTONCommunity Support Centre

10568 114 St, Edmonton, AB

p. 780.426.5600 | e. InfoEdmonton@theseed.ca

96th Street Building 10635 96 St, Edmonton, AB

Neighbour Centre

10050 81 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB

Mosaic Centre

12758 Fort Road, Edmonton, AB

RED DEERCommunity Support Centre 6002 54 Ave, Red Deer, AB p. 403.347.1844 | e. InfoRedDeer@theseed.ca

KAMLOOPS The Mustard Seed Outreach Centre181 Victoria St W, Kamloops, BCp. 250.372.9898 | e. InfoKamloops@theseed.ca

MEDICINE HATThe Mustard Seed503A Allowance Ave SE, Medicine Hat, ABp. 403.866.7542 | e. InfoMedicineHat@theseed.ca

Through your gifts, we were able to open secondary shelter locations, run vital health and wellness programming, hire additional staff to support our guests, and provide necessary PPE – all while continuing to serve daily meals and ensure our guests had a safe place to sleep.

“The Mustard Seed has everything you need, food, toiletries, clothing, everything you could possibly need during this time,” Shawn explained. “I would tell somebody that if you needed a place to stay and you wanted to be safe and feel comfortable, this is the place to be.”

During these uncertain times, Shawn acknowledged that it’s because of donors like you, he is able to have a place to call home and a chance for a brighter future.

“I would say to anyone thinking of donating right now that you couldn’t pick a better time to donate, to give to The Mustard Seed because they need it and we need it. And by the way - thank you.”

Losing your job is devastating. This was the reality for Shawn, a carpenter, who had suffered a serious injury to his hand a couple years ago and became unemployed. After surgery and months of rehabilitation, Shawn was ready to work again. But, the economy had entered a downturn.

“I applied everywhere from Ontario to British Columbia. I am here because of an economic downturn more than anything else,” Shawn said. “Basically, no one was hiring, so I ended up losing everything. The apartment, everything.”

Just when Shawn thought he wouldn’t ever find a job - he was hired for some contract work at a project site. However, Shawn’s hardships were far from over; a worker at the site tested positive for COVID-19, putting Shawn and 200 others out of work.

Having heard about The Mustard Seed through a friend, Shawn made his way over to the shelter where he was welcomed. Through your support, he was given the essential services he desperately needed.

“Having a meal and a place to stay is such a load off the mind. I’m grateful for the food and I am definitely grateful for a place to sleep,” Shawn said. “The staff are very helpful, compassionate, and it’s a Godsend that I am thankful for... its home for now, I guess.”

As the pandemic continued to threaten the health and safety of everyone in our nation, Shawn said he appreciated the steps The Mustard Seed had taken to keep guests safe.

“I would say to anyone that could, whether that be time, money, toiletries or clothing, it’s even more appreciated now. We do know where all this comes from... and we know the value of donors.” Shawn said.

601people had a safe place to sleep every night during the COVID-19 pandemic

A PLACE TO CALL HOME IN UNCERTAIN TIMES

Guest at The Mustard Seedshelter

p. 403.269.1319 | e. Hubs@theseed.ca

The Wellness Centre 1010 Centre Street SE, Calgary, AB

p. 587.393.4020 | e. Wellness@theseed.ca

p. 780.442.3564 | InfoEdmonton@theseed.ca

p. 780.250.6840 | e. NeighbourCentre@theseed.ca

p. 780.722.3247 | e. MosaicCentre@theseed.ca

Christian Care Centre 10137 - 50 Street, Edmonton, ABp. 780.484.5847 | e. InfoEdmonton@theseed.ca