With temperatures expected in the high 20's and 30's for later this week and next week, The Mustard Seed is calling for Central Alberta residents to donate water bottles for their clients.
The Mustard Seed is in an emergency situation as they have run out of water bottles to support those living on the street.
Laura Giesbrecht, the Senior Director of Food Services for The Mustard Seed says they need your help.
"Our guests who are experiencing homelessness don't have the same opportunity to go into the house and turn on the tap for water, and so they rely on agencies like the Mustard Seed for bottled water. With temperatures increasing so rapidly, we need the support of the community to help meet that need."
Giesbrecht says that on a hot day they will hand out between 100 and 120 bottles. It can be any brand of water bottle. Apart from water, she says they have other needs specific to summer time as well.
"We always have seasonally appropriate items that we're looking for. So in the summer season, that includes things like bug sprays, sunscreen, flip flops. Hats, and things that will help to keep people cool and out of the elements from the summer season."
Here is a list of some of the items needed by the Mustard Seed:
- Bottled Water
- Toilet Paper
- Deodorant
- Underwear (Men's sizes S to XL / Women’s sizes S to M)
- Kleenex (Individual Packs)
- Travel-size Shampoo & Conditioner
- Travel-size Body Wash
- Toothbrushes
- Baby Wipes
- Reusable Bags
- Insect Repellant
- Travel size sunscreen
- Q-Tips
- Backpacks
- Flip Flops (Men's sizes 7 to 13 / Women's sizes 6 to 10)
- Hats
Giesbrecht says that surprisingly Summer is one of their busiest times for volunteers.
"Actually, some of our needs are even greater in the summer, a lot of our regular folks who volunteer with us on a somewhat weekly basis take time to go on vacation. And so our meal service is actually in great need of volunteers. So we invite either individuals or groups to come and help us to prepare and serve an evening meal for our guests, and I promise it's actually a whole lot of fun."
If you would like to volunteer or need more information click here.
Donations can be dropped off in Red Deer at this location:
Community Support Centre
6002 54 Ave
Red Deer, AB T4N 4M8
Hours: Mon. – Fri. 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.