Ways to Get Involved this Christmas

Happy Holidays Mustard Seed families! Christmas is upon us and we’re excited to share all the ways in which you can join in helping those in need this season.

Every Christmas we determine how we can best serve our guests. The spirit of the season truly brings out the best in our volunteers and donors, so we want to give you the best opportunity to do good for those experiencing poverty.


8 Ways in Calgary:

Build a Backpack
Filling backpacks full of basic necessities has proven year after year to brighten the days of our guests. Not only do these bags give someone in need the items to get them through the season, but it gives them hope to build a better future. Find our list here.

Fill a Food Hamper
Help us put Christmas dinner on the table for a family in need. Drop off the food items found on our list to help provide a warm meal this season! Find our list here.

Purchase some Monogram coffee or Made by Marcus ice cream!
By purchasing Monogram’s and Made by Marcus’ Next to the Fire coffee bags and ice cream, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to The Mustard Seed from November 8 – December 31.

Donate to The Spirit of Giving campaign
When out and about shopping this season, grab some of our MOST URGENTLY NEEDED ITEMS. This campaign and its partners have provided convenient drop-off locations around the city where they’re collecting:

  • Winter gloves/mitts
  • Men’s briefs (new)
  • Men’s deodorant
  • Nail clippers
  • Disposable razors

For more information, visit The Spirit of Giving website here.

Partake in an event or fundraiser
Turkey Ham Jam is one of our most celebrated annual events where we collect food items for our hamper program. Contact [email protected] and join us at participating Co-op grocery locations to fundraise and encourage shoppers to donate turkeys and hams to our families in need of a warm meal this Christmas.

Contribute to our Avalanche of Toys
Come on down to the Winter Magic Festival event held at Eau Claire market. At our Avalanche of Toys booth, we will be collecting new, unused toys for children of all ages, which will be distributed among our families at our community hub, the Marlborough Park Neighbour Centre.

Be a part of #GivingTuesday (Dec 3)
Donations made to The Mustard Seed during the 24-hour global event Giving Tuesday will be matched! Cask Global Canning Solutions has graciously agreed to match up to $25,000 to help house, clothe, and feed those who are in need. Donate here.

Volunteer with us
Volunteers are at the heart of what we do at The Mustard Seed. At Christmas, we need more than any other time of the year. We have unique opportunities available, such as card making, baking cookies, or decorating our buildings all season. Help the people we serve feel the love and joy this season by spending some time with us! Contact [email protected] for more information. To see our opportunities, click here.

4 Ways in Edmonton

Family Gift Centre
Help ensure there is something special under the tree for everyone this year. Donate new, unused gifts for children ages 0–18 years old to our annual $2 Christmas toy store. Interested in collecting toys at your next event or holiday function? We’ll provide your school, business, or organization with a donation bin to stuff full! For more information click here.

Build a Backpack
Filling backpacks full of basic necessities has proven year after year to brighten the days of our guests. Not only do these bags give someone in need the items to get them through the season, but it gives them hope to build a better future. Find our list here.

Make a Mug of Joy
Give the gift of a travel mug filled with some sweet treats! Providing someone in need with these small but meaningful items – including a note of encouragement – will without a doubt put a smile on the face of someone going through tough times. Find our list here.

Volunteer with us
Volunteers are at the heart of what we do at The Mustard Seed. At Christmas, we need more than any other time of the year. We have unique opportunities available, such as card making, baking cookies, or decorating our buildings all season. Help the people we serve feel the love and joy this season by spending some time with us! Contact [email protected] for more information.

4 Ways in Red Deer

Stuff a Sock
Warm someone’s feet (and day!) by filling it full of essential items for the holiday season. Toss the matching pair inside the sock! Find our list here.

Build a Backpack
Filling backpacks full of basic necessities has proven year after year to brighten the days of our guests. Not only do these bags give someone in need the items to get them through the season, but it gives them hope to build a better future. Find our list here.

Donate shoes & winter jackets
Warm winter gear is critical for our guests who are experiencing homelessness. Help keep our guests warm, dry, and protected this season from the extreme temperatures by donating a pair of shoes / boots or a winter jacket.

Volunteer with us
Volunteers are at the heart of what we do at The Mustard Seed. At Christmas, we need more than any other time of the year. We have unique opportunities available, such as card making, baking cookies, or decorating our buildings all season. Help the people we serve feel the love and joy this season by spending some time with us! Contact [email protected] for more information.

3 Ways in Kamloops

Keep people warm
Winter can be brutally cold in Kamloops and staying warm can be critical. Help keep our guests warm, dry, and protected this season from the extreme temperatures by donating the following winter gear:

  • Winter jackets (men & women)
  • Gloves
  • Winter boots
  • Long johns
  • Sweaters
  • Toques

Make Christmas in a bag
Filling a toiletry bag full of essential items for someone in need is sure to brighten their day. Help someone experiencing homelessness get through the season by providing them with basic necessities to build hope for a better future. Find our list here.

Donate to the Dental Program
Proper dental care is one of the top needs among people experiencing homelessness in Kamloops. Your donation can cover the cost of a dentist appointment for someone in need this holiday season. Contribute here.

3 Ways in Medicine Hat

Build a Backpack
Filling backpacks full of basic necessities has proven year after year to brighten the days of our guests. Not only do these bags give someone in need the items to get them through the season, but it gives them hope to build a better future. Find our list here.

Donate shoes & winter jackets
Winter gear is critical for our guests who are experiencing homelessness. Help keep our guests warm, dry, and protected this season from the extreme temperatures by donating a pair of shoes / boots or a winter jacket.

Keep warm feet on the street
Warm someone’s feet (and day!) by filling a sock full of essential items for the holiday season. Make sure to include the matching pair inside the sock! Find our list here.

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