About

History

On a beautiful summer afternoon in 2019, a simple gathering centered around fresh fruits and vegetables for local families sparked the genesis of a transformative journey. Raylene and Stuart, experienced a pivotal moment that led to an impromptu social media post inviting those in need to access our produce. The response was overwhelming. What began with just three initial participants quickly burgeoned. Within a mere year, our efforts had flourished, and with immense joy, we found ourselves supporting over 300 individuals in our community.

Free Store Chilliwack is deeply rooted in our community, driven by genuine care and a dedication to making a difference. Our weekends are active, filled with gathering and distributing essential supplies, all while fostering connections within our community. Every engagement deepens our insight into the challenges of poverty, fueling our determination to create meaningful change.

Our success story is written by the hands of our incredible donors and the hearts of our selfless volunteers. Driven by a shared passion to serve, we have developed an efficient model for food distribution. This model is not just a solution for today but a blueprint for tomorrow, constantly evolving to support more lives.

Beyond providing food and essentials, we extend our impact through diverse community programs, addressing needs comprehensively. Distributing supplies valued at $613,000 underscores the power of collective determination and the profound difference it can make.

As we stand on the brink of new, innovative projects, we invite you to be a part of our journey. Watch us as we grow, evolve, and continue to make a difference. Your support, involvement, and belief are what fuel our mission at Free Store Chilliwack.

Who we are

Founder & Director

Raylene Mumford

I'm Raylene Mumford, with over 17 years of experience in the mental health and addictions sector. My career has been marked by collaborating with exceptional teams dedicated to tackling chronic homelessness and developing innovative policies and strategies to combat systemic and structural poverty, including issues related to food insecurity. A key area of my passion lies in minimizing waste, championing the rescue and recycling of food, and fostering strong partnerships and community ties.

Director of Development and Communications + Pet Poverty*

Chelsea Hiebert

Since I was in Kindergarten my Mom and I would scrounge up extra lunches to bring to school and hand them out to my friends who didn't have lunches. As the years unfolded, our commitment grew, dedicating our winters to distributing coats, organizing holiday meals, and hosting summer BBQs to uplift the vulnerable in our community. I am an animal lover and it has always been a goal of mine to open animal rescues. Last winter I ran the First "Free Store Pet Food Program" feeding the animals in our community. My goal is for no person or animal to go to bed hungry and I am forever grateful to be a part of The Free Store!

Director of Client Relations

Alyssa Banville

Director of client relations for the free store Chilliwack and social development program. My mission is to help with the food poverty crisis and help create sustainable living. My passion has always been in helping people and I am honored to be able to do so through our wonderful program with an amazing team

Manager of Indigenous Relations

Stuart Mussell

Stuart Mussell, a dedicated First Nations advocate, has been an integral part of the Free Store since its inception, focusing on aiding those in poverty and fostering relationships and connections. As the First Nations Relations lead, he brings his passion for community support and cultural engagement to the forefront of the organization's mission.

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