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Champion Centre looking for increase in donations for 2018

Dec 28, 2017 | 4:33 PM

 

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Walk past the Champion Centre any morning of the year, and you will see members of Medicine Hat’s homeless community enjoying a hot meal.

It’s been over a decade since the charity’s opening, feeding and housing those less fortunate thanks to community donations.

For client Hamid Vejdani, the Champion Centre allows users to form a community and connect with those running the operation.

“What they do is unbelievable, okay,” said Vejdani. “[They’re] right about people coming here being down and sad, and so on. But, when they walk out they feel like kings, they feel like queens.”

The non-profit organization feeds Medicine Hat’s homeless and impoverished community breakfast 365 days a year, and also offers affordable housing options in the upper floor of their building.

Assistant Manager Barbra Sullivan said they’re in need for more donations in 2018 to keep up with rising costs.

“There’s much food that needs to be bought here [to] keep the doors open,” said Sullivan. “It’s an old building, lots of repairs.”

The building usually serves between 20 and 30 clients per day, but can often spike up to 60 people near the end of the month.

Along with paying for food and repairs, public donations go towards paying the wages of those working at the Champion Centre.

James Corbett has been involved with the facility since 2006 and said it’s made a huge difference in his day-to-day life.

“I didn’t feel comfortable being homeless or having that stigma, but I felt very welcome here.”

Not just a client however, Corbett works part-time for the Champion Centre delivering food orders to other local families needing support.

“They want to hug me, sometimes have tears in their eyes, they have stories to share,” said Corbett. “And, I’m just so proud to be a part of that.”

Donations have also funded the creation of a community closet, giving winter and everyday clothing to clients at no cost.

Sullivan said it’s a community building, with clients improving their lives through the generosity of the public.

“They’re a part of it,” she said. “It’s not just the Champion Centre doing it, they’re a part of it but we’re doing it on their behalf.”

Outside of work, Vejdani has been using the facility over the last seven years and said it’s the respect he’s received that’s made all the difference.

“They treat you like you’re equal, that’s the main thing. For a homeless person being treated equal, there’s nothing better than that.”

Those interested in donating money, food, or clothes to the Champion Centre can visit their location at 435 North Railway Street SE or log on to their website.