Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Amandalina Letterio

THE MUSTARD SEED

The Mustard Seed thanks Kamloops community for a record-year of fundraising

Jan 2, 2022 | 11:28 AM

KAMLOOPS — The Mustard Seed (The Seed) is thanking the Kamloops community for a successful year of fundraising.

“It means that we can continue providing the services to those who have the greatest needs in our city: food, shelter, clothing, wellness, advocacy services and recovery,” The Seed’s Communications Coordinator Leanne Wereley says.

This year, The Seed partnered with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) to start providing meals to all the shelters in Kamloops. It began in January 2021.

Wereley says this was especially beneficial for the Memorial Arena shelter which does not have a kitchen, so all meals were made daily and shared across shelters in the community, including the Emerald House.

In 2021, the Kamloops community helped give 73,988 meals to the hungry. The community also gave 2,214 in clothing gifts, to ensure people in need were properly clothed for each season.

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Wereley says the record numbers were unexpected — reflecting on 2021’s challenges such as COVID-19 outbreaks, a summer of wildfires, and a fall with floods.

“We had those outside our community access and use our services. Those displaced by fires, Merritt evacuees, and even those looking for a COVID test or vaccine come through our doors,” Wereley explains.

Despite the year’s obstacles, she says the Kamloops community stepped up. More than 2,200 clothing gifts were donated to The Seed and 576 bus tickets were provided.

“Without the fundraising, we would just be one more ineffective program in the community,” Wereley told CFJC News.

On Sunday (Jan. 2), The Seed will launch a “Thank-you Campaign” with a focus on those who donated, sponsored, and gave their resources and time in 2021, and years past. Watch it here.