‘She is the core’: Brunswick Street Mission recognizes its longest standing volunteer

A long-standing volunteer at Brunswick Street Mission in Halifax is being celebrated for her decades of dedication.

Coralee Grant has called Brunswick Street Mission in Halifax, N.S., her second home for over 30 years. Whether she’s folding clothes, stocking shelves, or greeting clients, volunteering there is her passion.

“Once upon a time I was here every day, but now I am down to two days a week,” says Grant.

As a young girl, Grant’s family relied on the mission’s services. Now, things have come full circle – they rely on her for help.

“This place supported my mom and our family so I promised my mom when I got to a certain age that I would be giving all my time here,” says Grant.

That’s exactly what she did, helping wherever she’s needed. Grant does the outreach, sorting clothing donations, setting up displays, and keeping the food market looking fresh. She’s loved and appreciated by not just the Brunswick street team but also the community.

“They call her momma Cora for a reason; she is the core of a lot of the work that happens here. She knows this place and knows the people and oftentimes she is looking for extra work to help those in her own community,” says Matt Kok, Brunswick Street Mission Fund Development director.

Three years ago, a spot in the food bank was dedicated to Grant.

“Just for treats and snacks and sort of the fun things that can be handed out to our food bank when we have it and since Cora has been here for so long, and been part of the community we wanted to make it a special place honouring her,” adds Kok.

“My own little spot… I came in and was so happy and thought ‘Wow, I am family here,’” adds Grant.

Brunswick Street Mission serves between 30 to 40 households a day, and 40 per cent of those folks are unhoused.

“Volunteers, they make this place happen. We have about 90 to 100 volunteers who help run the food bank, the breakfast program, run the tax clinic here, and prepare healthy meals for people and help out at our foodbank,” says Kok.

Kok explains they are essential to the work they do and they are always looking for extra help.

But Grant has no plans to slow down anytime soon.

“I’ll always be coming here as long as these old legs will let me,” she says.

Grant says her 10 grandchildren keep her busy, but Brunswick Street Mission will always be her second home.

“Everybody’s welcome, everybody, and we just put our arms out to them all. So this place, like I said, is home,” says Grant.

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