MOOSE JAW — Hope Ministries has been supporting the community’s less fortunate for almost a year and has decided to hold an inaugural banquet and dessert auction to thank residents and raise some extra funds.
Rachel Mullens, executive director and founder of the non-profit, faith-based organization, said the Sept. 25 banquet will raise awareness about what Hope Ministries does, its needs and the needs of the community, and its goal of finding a permanent home.
An update about the quest to find a location will likely be provided, she noted, while the board will also provide information about its vision for the organization’s future.
Mullens said the banquet is free because the board did not want the cost of tickets to prevent people from attending. However, since the event is a fundraiser, the organization will generate money through the dessert auction and from those who make donations.
“The more people that know about what we’re doing, hopefully it will spread through the community,” she remarked.
Hosting this banquet is a good way to “clear up some misconceptions” in the community about the organization and to thank people who have offered support, Mullens said. The event is also a great way to celebrate one year of operations; Hope Ministries began feeding people in October 2024.
“For me, I’ve never started a not-for-profit (organization), so this has been quite the journey and learning curve for me,” she continued. “And it’s a way just to be thankful for where we’re at … .”
The guest speaker will be author Alex Allen, who has written a devotional book for people looking to learn more about the Bible and deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ, Mullens added. She has read the book and thought it was excellent.
According to a presentation that Hope Ministries gave to city council in January, the organization’s mission is to share the love and compassion of Jesus Christ by ensuring people can access nutritious meals in a safe and welcoming environment that offers support, resources and a sense of belonging.
It also aims to create a stronger, healthier community by tackling the issues of hunger and housing insecurity with compassion and action.
Hope Ministries — comprised of a coalition of churches and organizations — is serving suppers Monday to Friday from the parking lot of St. Aidan Anglican Church, from 5 to 6 p.m. Mullens uses the church’s kitchen to prepare and cook the food.
The charity also provides a warming space and lunches from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays; the John Howard Society provides lunches at Zion United Church on Mondays.
Questions and comments about Hope Ministries can be directed to Rachel Mullens at [email protected].
“A Place at the Table” takes place on Thursday, Sept. 25, at Church of Our Lady Roman Catholic Church at 566 Vaughn Street on South Hill. The doors open at 5 p.m., dinner is a 5:30, and that is followed by a guest speaker, remarks from the executive director and a dessert auction.
The event is free, although tickets — 200 are available — must still be purchased, either as a single seat or a table of eight. To acquire tickets, click here.
