It was a gorgeous, sunny day with blue skies on the Highlands Golf Club in Edmonton. Kim and her 19-year-old son Noah were on the seventh hole. They were volunteers at The Mustard Seed’s 15th Annual Charity Golf Tournament. Noah was all smiles as he watched 123 golfers take to the greens.
“Honestly, I’m feeling appreciated, a bit overwhelmed. I didn’t know there were so many people who cared. It’s a little surprising. It’s awesome. I love it,” says Noah.
Things were not always so bright for this family. Kim’s eyes fill with tears, “It’s a lot, it’s a lot,” she repeats while shaking her head. She continues to elaborate with a sad tale. She talks about the difficulties of raising six children on her own, an accident that left her unable to work, and The Mustard Seed.
“They have supported me through meal programs, the Food Bank, whatever I needed, clothing, absolutely everything. And now I’m giving back.” Kim says she does that by volunteering at the tournament. Noah says it’s a way to show he’s grateful. “I rely on The Mustard Seed for food. If it wasn’t there, I would be scrounging for food. I struggle, even today.”
“They have supported me through meal programs, the Food Bank, whatever I needed, clothing, absolutely everything. And now I’m giving back.”
In 15 years, the golf tournament has raised over $1.25 million; this latest fundraiser, raised $115,000.
“It’s heartwarming to see many familiar faces, who continue to support the cause,” says Dean Kurpejuweit, Managing Director at The Mustard Seed. “To me, it says we are doing something right. The people, who are at our street level, in the trenches, are caring for people, they are doing more than just handing over some food, more than handing them some clothes. They are caring for people with love and dignity.”
