By Scott Roblin

More Than Food

Neighbourhood care package program helping support families in need

Apr 30, 2020 | 5:15 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Amid the business closures and layoffs related to the COVID-19 pandemic, many families are struggling to put food on the table this spring.

That growing worry has sparked a new initiative for the Medicine Hat chapter of The Mustard Seed, who are getting used to hectic Thursday mornings.

Each week, volunteers are bundling up frozen meals and delivering them back into the community to local families in need.

“It’s humbling, we’re happy we’re able to help people in a time such as this,” said Mustard Seed managing director Colette Eirich.

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Dubbed the ‘Neighbourhood Care Package Program,’ it was launched three weeks ago in response to the pandemic as a way to provide support to locals who are struggling financially.

Since then, the program has grown from six families to 21 with over 100 meals delivered so far.

“We discovered we have local families that are struggling due to the pandemic situation whether it’s a loss of job, as well as shut-ins, and we have the vulnerable homeless,” said Eirich.

Roughly a dozen volunteers assist each week in preparing, loading, and delivering the food to those in Medicine Hat needing a lift.

Many of those volunteers have previously assisted with the Oasis Cafe, which operates out of River Valley Church and helped feed vulnerable people in the community before merging under The Mustard Seed banner.

Husband and wife Larry and Terri Enslen have volunteered with the program for years and are now loading up their vehicles for deliveries, even with masks over their faces.

“I love to be able to help people,” said Terri. “To me, that saying of ‘it’s more blessed to give than to receive’ is really true.”

“It gives people a sense of hope, it gives people a sense that they’ve not been forgotten, that they’re being thought of, and that there’s some provision for them,” said Larry.

The deliveries have become a lifeline for a number of locals, including James Karpeh who recently lost his job in the oil patch.

“Things are really hard right now because I’m laid off from my job,” said Karpeh. “With this program, I can be able to get some support like food and other stuff, so it’s really important.”

The deliveries have been welcomed with a smile and open arms from recipients like Karpeh, especially when treats for his kids are involved.

“They’re really happy, especially when they get the cake they’re really happy,” said Karpeh. “They just think everyday is a birthday for them.”

For volunteers like the Enslens, it’s these small moments that seem to resonate the most during the drop-off periods.

“I often come away from these kinds of situations from interactions with people and I’ve heard something that’s really important for me,” said Larry. “Kind of a reality check or maybe I’m going through something and they share something about what they’re going through. It’s just a reminder that we’re all in this together.”

Acts of kindness and comfort that is helping families like the Karpehs navigate these troubling times.

“I just want to say thank you and God bless them,” said Karpeh.

Those interested in accessing or volunteering with the Neighbourhood Care Package Program can visit The Mustard Seed’s website or by phoning 403-866-7542.