PREACHING

We have a number of staff who would be happy to share a message of hope and encouragement with your church congregation, small group, or event participants.

SEED SERVE

We offer week-long service-learning programs in Calgary and Edmonton for youth aged 13-17 as part of a youth group. These alternative mission trips are an opportunity for teens to learn about poverty and homelessness, develop a deeper understanding of God’s heart for our city, and practice faith in action through service projects. Programming runs for two separate weeks in the month of July; we also offer weekend or spring break opportunities for youth groups who have previous summer commitments.

SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS

Our presentations cover the forms & causes of homelessness, statistics relevant to your city, and information about our programming.

Experiential Learning: Day In The Life

• An immersive and experiential day of learning. Groups will have a glimpse into the day in the life of someone who experiences homelessness and poverty.

To find out more or schedule an event, email [email protected]

School Speaking Engagements

Our presentations focus on understanding why homelessness and poverty are challenges in our city today and encouraging students to find ways to engage with their community. We present to individual classes as well as entire schools and can tailor a presentation to your classes’ learning or specific topics if requested.

Audience: All Ages
No cost

Experiential Learning

Workshops
We offer half-day workshops that can be hosted at some The Mustard Seed locations or in your schools. These workshops allow an in-depth focus on topics related to poverty and homelessness such as affordable housing, basic needs, employment, food security, and stereotypes and destigmatization.

Audience: Grades 1 to 12 (half-day)
No cost, donations appreciated

Day in the life
An opportunity for participants to explore what it might be like to live a day in the shows of a person experiencing homelessness as they navigate the Downtown core and try to find resources along the wayOur presentations cover the forms & causes of homelessness, statistics relevant to your city information about our programming.

Audience: Grades 7 to 12
No cost

Community Awareness Walk Designed to increase awareness of both the beauty and the challenges of Calgary’s inner city. This walk through the city explores the people, places, and issues that impact Calgary’s urban core. We will discuss prejudices and stereotypes, as well as the importance of advocacy and action.

Audience: Grades 9 to 12
No cost

Educator's Booklist

We’ve put together a resource of our favorite books for classroom use that touch on homelessness, poverty, empathy, justice, and kindness. This resource includes a summary of each book, central themes, age recommendations, and activity suggestions to deepen learning.

The Mustard Seed engages students with hands-on learning about poverty and homelessness with the goal of challenging them to raise awareness about these issues in their community. At SEEDschool, teachers and students are immersed in workshops as well as experiential and service-learning, in order to build capacity for critical understandings of our interconnected Calgary community.

THE MUSTARD SEED

For more than 40 years, The Mustard Seed has supported individuals experiencing homelessness and poverty. We work alongside business partners who want to engage their teams, strengthen their social impact, and contribute to meaningful change in their city.
At The Mustard Seed, volunteering means you can step into a variety of roles that directly enhance the services and programs we provide. Whether you’re looking to lend a hand occasionally or dedicate a few hours every week, we welcome both short-term and long-term commitments. Our goal is that every volunteer is appropriately placed, well trained and highly engaged.

Our corporate engagement opportunities are designed to:

• Support your Corporate Social Responsibility goals
• Build staff engagement and morale
• Provide experiential learning that develops empathy and awareness
• Offer accessible, high-impact ways to make a difference
• Create long-term, community-centered partnerships

LEARNING & AWARENESS

Corporate Presentation and Lunch & Learns

Bring The Mustard Seed to your workplace for a concise, insightful session on homelessness, poverty, and community needs. These presentations can be customized to align with your sector, workforce, or community investment priorities.
Available: In-person or virtual
Focus areas: Local context, systemic issues, community impact, how companies can help

Workshop: Engaging Vulnerable People

A one-hour professional development session that equips staff with practical tools for safe, respectful engagement. This workshop strengthens confidence and awareness for employees who interact daily with the public-both inside and outside the workplace. As part of your engagement, your company can chose to include a Make the Month activity.
Available: In-person or virtual
Focus areas: Local context, systemic issues, community impact, how companies can help

Community Awareness Walk

Self-guided walk through your city’s core that explores local social issues, community resources, and the lived realities of individuals experiencing homelessness. Ideal for leadership teams or staff groups seeking deeper context. Available: In-person, Downtown Calgary, Edmonton or Kamloops
Available: In-person, Downtown Calgary, Edmonton or Kamloops

EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT & TEAM EXPERIENCES

Behind-the-Scenes Tours

Explore our programs and services firsthand. Corporate tours give teams a clear understanding of how their support creates impact and offer a meaningful introduction to partnership with The Mustard Seed.
Available: In-person; location and size varies by city.

Corporate Volunteer Opportunities

Engage your team in hands-on service opportunities that make an immediate difference.
Activities may include:

• Meal service or food preparation
• Sorting and organizing essential items
• Supporting community programming
• Helping with seasonal or high-impact projects

Available: TheSeed.ca/volunteer

COMMUNITY FUNDRAISING

Kits For a Cause: Corporate Edition

Host a kit-packing event at your office or team day. Participants assemble customized kits filled with essential items needed by most individuals accessing our services. Flexible, turnkey, and ideal for departments or full-company involvement.
Location: Your office or preferred venue
Learn more at TheSeed.ca/kfac

Coldest Night of the Year - Corporate Team Challenge

Mobilize your workforce for an annual community fundraiser supporting people experiencing homelessness. Companies often use the event to build team spirit, promote wellness, and demonstrate corporate citizenship
Occurs: Every February

Start Your Own Peer-to-Peer Fundraiser

Peer-to-Peer (P2P) fundraising lets you raise money by inviting your friends, family, and network to donate to a cause you care about. Instead of donating alone, you become an ambassador and fundraiser for the charity.
Learn more at RaiseHope.ca

SPONSOR A MEAL

Meal Sponsorship

Meal sponsorships allow us to increase the quality and nutritional content of the food we serve. Guests will leave with a full stomach and focused mind, giving them a better chance at achieving the long-term life changes they’re working towards.
Learn more at TheSeed.ca/meals

Understanding homelessness and poverty begins with listening, learning, and compassion.
Our Educational Resources are designed to support meaningful conversations in classrooms, churches, workplaces, and community groups. Rooted in real experiences and guided by dignity and respect, these tools help deepen understanding, challenge assumptions, and inspire thoughtful action.

Workshops Offered by The Mustard Seed
We offer customizable workshops for churches, schools, businesses, and community groups looking to learn more about homelessness and poverty.

These interactive sessions are designed to meet your group where they are whether that’s a classroom, workplace, or gathering space. To learn more or request a workshop, please submit the form below and our team will be in touch.

Pick an item to collect, invite others to participate, and gather donations together. When your drive is complete, drop items off at your nearest Mustard Seed location during designated donation hours - every contribution helps meet real needs.

These offerings are designed to support your organization's goals by:

1. Choose items to collect – view our Urgently Needed Items in your city
2. Invite your community to participate
3. Creating opportunities for meaningful community involvement
4. Drop donations off at your nearest Mustard Seed location during donation hours