11 Days of Giving - Day 6 - The Mustard Seed

EDMONTON, AB – The Concordia University of Edmonton Department of Athletics & Recreation highlights Day 6 of the Thunder’s 11 Days of Giving campaign, as the student-athletes and teams have come together during this holiday season to give back to our community.

The Thunder Golf team held a long drive and closet to the pin competition at the Country Club Tour Golf Centre (https://countryclubtour.com/cct-golf-centre/) in support of The Mustard Seed of Edmonton. Individuals could come by to test their skills for a chance at a number of prizes for $10 per shot, or could donate from a distance and have one of the members of the golf team hit the shot on their behalf. All in all, the single day event raised $4000 for the Mustard Seed, which will be matched by the Epcor Heart & Soul Fund (www.epcor.com/about/community-investment/heart-and-soul-fund). Special thanks to the Country Club Tour organization for the donation of the facility and a top up donation of $500 to hit the $4000 mark!

Women’s team golf captain Kennedy Turcotte stated “The reason we chose this organization is because we believe everyone should have a safe place to live, in a time of need. With the Christmas approaching we believe donating to the mustard seed will spread holiday love and cheer, as individuals deserve to be cared for during these special times.”. Teammate Riley Higdon added “The Mustard Seed is an incredible organization that supports individuals going through tough times and helps put a roof over their head. The work they do around our community, especially during the winter months, is irreplaceable and so special to everyone in need. It was incredible to team with The Mustard Seed on this fundraiser and our team is ecstatic to have helped on any way we could.”.

Thunder golf Head Coach Larry Petryk sang the praises of his team and their response to this challenge, saying “Giving to charity is very important. Many people don’t realise how fortunate and privileged they are to have a warm house, food on the table, and clean water to drink. The Mustard Seed is one avenue that provides these essentials to people facing poverty and homelessness. I’m so lucky to coach an incredible Golf Team at Concordia as they understand the commitment necessary to excel. They have made this Fundraiser a top priority to generate support for The Mustard Seed. People were very generous and their funds which will help to provide meals, shelter, and clothing to those in need during the Holiday Season. For that, I’m so grateful.”. Turcotte added on to her coach’s comments here, saying “I believe being involved in our community creates positive relationships that will help us to strive to be better student athletes.”.

Amanda Adkins, in the Major Gifts role for the Mustard Seed spoke to the importance of the work of the organization and how this donation will help by stating “The Mustard Seed has been serving individuals experiencing poverty and homelessness for over 35 years and has become a haven for those in need. From a single outreach location in Edmonton’s inner city, The Mustard Seed now provides emergency basic needs including food, clothing and hygiene items, housing and emergency shelter, employments, education, health and wellness and spiritual care through four community hubs and numerous locations throughout the city. It is only with the support and dedication of our donors, volunteers and community that The Mustard Seed is able to grow and meet the needs of those we serve. We are so thankful to the CUE Golf Team and all involved for stepping up and making a difference in the lives of others.”.

Additional information for The Mustard Seed can be found at http://theseed.ca/.

More about the Thunder 11 Days of Giving Campaign:

With all of the struggles of the world in 2020, the student-athletes, coaches, and staff of the Thunder Department of Athletics & Recreation wanted to take this time of pause to get involved in our local community, and make it a better place right in time for the holidays. The 11 Days of Giving campaign challenged all of our student-athletes and teams to find a unique way to take advantage of this gift of time due to the COVID-19 pandemic and find a way to help those who need it most around us.