the frontline - Siloam Mission

the frontline
Siloam Mission Winter 2015
Changing lives for over 25 years
Home Cooking
for the Holidays
Breaking Bread and Giving Thanks
On Oct 14th, 1,233 people celebrated
Thanksgiving dinner at Siloam
Mission, our largest ever! Thanks to
generous donors like City Mix Inc.,
and 80 incredible volunteers, the
meal included 150 turkeys, 500 lbs.
of potatoes, and 200 lbs. of dressing.
But this was not our only meal on
Thanksgiving – counting breakfast
and supper, 2,313 meals were served
at Siloam that day!
We also expect large numbers for
Christmas, as folks turn to Siloam
for a sense of community during the
holiday season. For many, this may
be their only taste of being ‘Home for
the Holidays.’ As you prepare for your
Christmas gatherings, we thank you
for investing in the lives of the people
who use our services. Help make this
Christmas special for those in need.
Call 204.956.4344 to donate now
or visit www.siloam.ca/donate/
Siloam Mission is a connecting
point between the compassionate
and Winnipeg’s less fortunate.
“Command them to do good, to
be rich in good deeds, and to be
generous and willing to share. “
– 1 Tim 6:18
Add your voice to
the conversation on
homelessness and poverty.
Connect with us online!
The Mayor’s Volunteer Service Awards
This year Home Depot received The Mayor’s
Volunteer Service Award for their continued
support of Siloam Mission since 2007. Over the
past 7 years, 100 Home Depot employees have
volunteered 1000+ hours to help both transform
and renovate both Siloam Mission and its
supportive housing community, The Madison!
Congratulations!
Mohamed El Tassi
Mohamed El Tassi of Sargent Blue Jeans is
carrying on his family’s philanthropic tradition
with a generous donation of 100 new winter
jackets, 100 new blankets, and hundreds
of socks, toques, gloves, and long johns
as Christmas gifts for our shelter guests.
Mohamed’s father, Albert El Tassi of Peerless Garments, grew up humbly in a
single parent family so compassion is an important part of the El Tassi family’s
community spirit. Thank you! This will be a Christmas to remember.
One Big Day
Come out to Garden City Shopping
Centre on Friday, Dec 12 from 6:00 am
– 6:00 pm to QX104’s One Big Day for
Christmas in support of Siloam Mission.
Help make this a very special Christmas.
Boonstra Farm Field Trip
Because of a host of dedicated volunteers and incredible
sponsors, our Siloam Mission field trips are growing!
In October, thanks to the folks at Boonstra Farms,
participants momentarily escaped their struggles to
enjoy the corn maze and other autumn fun in the relaxed
company of friends. To sponsor a field trip, please
call Transition Services at 204.956.4344
Celebrating the Joy of
being Home for the Holidays
We celebrated our 2014 Annual Fundraising Celebration Dinner on
November 13 at the RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg. Inspired by
both The Silverwinds Hutterite Choir and the Jenifer Scott Trio, guests
sponsored special Christmas gifts for The Madison residents and for
those who will spend Christmas Eve in our shelter. Your gift can still
profoundly impact Christmas for those less fortunate. Call and donate
today: 204.956.4344
Volunteer Spotlight
Sharon Lynne
– Art Room Volunteer
For Sharon, the art room at Siloam
Mission is a warm, safe, quiet,
harmonious place where those
experiencing hardship can enjoy
creativity and self-expression.
As a volunteer for two and half
years, Sharon understands art is
transformative, regardless of the
medium. An avenue for healing and experiencing joy, she
sees how empowering self-expression can be. Art helps
people find purpose, self-esteem, and a way to celebrate
their culture.
Often Sharon hears comments like ‘Without my art I would
still be an angry person. Now I put those emotions into
my art and it helps to keep me out of trouble’, or ‘Wow,
I never knew I could do this. I’ve never painted or drawn
anything before.’ Sometimes it’s just ‘Thanks for listening.
I just needed someone.’
Each person chooses to volunteer at Siloam for their own
reasons. For Sharon “it was to truly understand compassion.
This experience has taught me that compassion is to see
with my heart, not my eyes; to hear my heart, not my ears.
This is truly life changing.”
Sharon hopes others will consider volunteering in the art
room at Siloam Mission too. “You do not have to be an art
professional to see the impact of the art program or connect
with people through it – just have an open heart and mind.”
2014 Manitoba Heroes
We are delighted to congratulate the winners of the
2014 Manitoba Heroes Gala who demonstrate the
impact of ‘compassion in action’ in our community.
Over $60,000 was raised to support three local charities,
including Siloam Mission’s programs and services,
bringing hope to those experiencing homelessness and
poverty in Winnipeg’s inner city.
Volunteer Spotlight
Richele Philippot
– Kitchen Volunteer
VS: How is this a good opportunity for other potential
volunteers?
Longtime Siloam Mission volunteer,
Richele, spends most of her time
working in the kitchen and has also
helped sort and organize donations
in Siloam’s basement. She began
as part of a volunteer group but the
experience so touched her that she
started coming on her own also.
Volunteer Services sat down with Richele to find out
what volunteering at Siloam means to her.
Richele: I am a community based person and interested in
giving back to the community. It’s a way to invest in my city.
I also get to develop new skills, such as working in the
kitchen. This is a new experience where I get to learn while
helping others.
VS: What do you like about volunteering here at
Siloam Mission?
VS: What are some stories/experiences you would like
to share?
Richele: I can focus on giving to others. I get to put a smile on
people’s face and know that I fed someone today. It’s very
different than working in a job setting, because I can just be
myself instead of following a set of strict rules.
Richele: Some years ago I volunteered with a group and
coming back, I recognized some people whom I’d served back
then. This helped me really see the need and the benefit for
people using Siloam’s services. Volunteering here helps all of us
to be more sympathetic to what is really happening in people’s
lives outside or beyond Siloam.
VS: What impact does volunteering have on you?
Richele: We are all sharing in one community and the impact
is reciprocal; meaning when I help someone, they feel good
and so I feel good for helping them.
Volunteer at Siloam. Call 204.956.4343 or https://www.siloam.ca/volunteer/
The Round-Up
Fresh Eyes: Volunteer
optometrists, Dr. Georgi
and Dr. Small, held a special
eye clinic for 15 Madison
residents in our Saul Sair
Health Centre with Kendra
from Pearle Vision fitting
patients with new glasses.
Food Drive: Thanks to Bell
Media (Virgin Radio/99.9 Bob
FM/ TSN 1290) for hosting a
hugely successful food drive
at Sobey’s Sage Creek in
support of Siloam Mission.
Looking Up: Big thanks
to the Intact Foundation for
being the first community
supporter of our new Exit Up!
program bridging the gap
for young adults aged 18-25
leaving foster care.
Meat the Challenge: Kicking
off the holiday season, Maple
Leaf Meats and Preferred
Meats delivered a huge
donation of much needed
ham, bacon, pork buttons,
corned beef and chicken.
Sweet Dreams: We are all
inspired by young McKenna’s
thoughtful donation of
sleeping masks to give shelter
guests a unique option for a
good night’s sleep.
Tea Time: Raising donations
with their iced tea stand,
7y/o Sarah and 5 y/o Kaitlyn
combined entrepreneurial
spirit with compassionate
hearts to help those
experiencing homelessness.
Teamwork Touchdown:
Recently 12 volunteers from
Winnipeg Blue Bombers
served supper, cleared plates
and visited in our Drop In
center, signing autographs
and taking photos with our
guests.
Showing Our Talent:
Recently Great West Life
hosted an art exhibit of clients
from both Siloam and Red
Road Lodge, with 100% of
proceeds from artwork sold
going directly to the artists.
Thank you for showcasing
our inspiring artists and
the impact of Siloam’s Art
Program in giving them a
hand up!
Pizza Pizzazz: With 100
pizzas in hand, Mohamed el
Tassi of Sargent Blue Jeans
made his partnership in our
Sponsor-the-Meal program
extra special as he helped
serve the lunch he brought
with him.
CHVN Radiothons. Thank you
for the opportunity to share
our stories of hope with you.
Community in Action:
Zurich Canada’s employees
showed their inspiring
community spirit with a
fundraising and donation drive
in support of Siloam Mission.
Five Hole for Food: Thanks
to everyone who ‘dropped in’
to play hockey in support of
Siloam Mission, to Corydon
Biz et al for collecting over 50
boxes of food, and to London
Drugs’ awesome team and
tons of donations.
Stories of Hope: We
were overwhelmed with
your support as we hit the
airwaves for our CJOB and
Got Ginch/Need
Knickers? We Do!
Underwear is frequently an urgent need at Siloam. On
November 10th, Gabriela Ostendorfer with ‘GotGinch/
Need Knickers’ arrived with 5000 pairs – for the 6th year
in a row!! Part of a massive cross-Canada ‘drawer
drop’, this organization, along with their partners at
DeliverGood.Org, make sure the men and women
we serve have the clean, new personal garments we all
deserve. Get involved: http://gotginch.ca/
Message from the Executive Director
time each year where we all slow down
and make sure to cherish the precious
time we can spend together.
Coming Home for the Holidays
Christmas has always been my favourite
holiday. Time off from school was filled
with family fun, playing hockey on
the dugout, tobogganing down the
riverbank, sharing meals, and just being
together. Although there was never
much money, Christmas Eve was full
of excitement. We could barely contain
ourselves, waking up every hour until
it was time to get Mom and Dad up at
7 am. The wait for Christmas morning
seemed like an eternity to see our
presents and smell the turkey roasting
while we played. Together we created a
lifetime of memories.
In the years since, I have been blessed
with my wonderful wife, Tracie, and our
own family. Though they are all grown
now, Christmas continues to be that one
Because of these meaningful
memories, part of my life’s work is to
make Christmas special for those who
don’t have family around to share this
important holiday. For people
experiencing homelessness, the holiday
season can be particularly difficult so
we make a point of creating a full turkey
dinner, the joy of presents, and the
warmth of a loving community to share it
all with. We all need to share the special
times in our lives with folks who care
about us.
That sense of being ‘Home for the
Holidays’ is why we have a big traditional
dinner on Christmas Eve, along with
other special meals throughout the
season, put on by several amazing
groups of volunteers.
The true meaning of Christmas is the
spirit of generosity. The most generous
gift ever given was when God sent his
son, Jesus. Every time someone asks
why we work so hard to make Christmas
Eve Dinner so special, I am reminded
that Christmas is about giving our very
best to each other. In giving, we receive
great joy.
Generosity is what makes Siloam Mission
a place where people feel they are
valued, that others care, and that there is
hope for all of us.
So many generous people make a
great Christmas at Siloam. It is a great
privilege to be part of such wonderful
community. We wish you all a very
Merry Christmas.
Floyd Perras
Executive Director, Siloam Mission
Did you know?
Many Canadian companies have employee matching programs to provide
grants to nonprofits where their employees volunteer or to match employee
fundraising efforts for worthwhile causes. Is your employer one of these?
Check with your HR department to see if your employer can partner with
you in giving back to the Siloam community!
Exciting New
Ways to Volunteer
For 85 people, life beyond homelessness means becoming
part of The Madison family. More than just a place to live,
Siloam’s supportive housing community creates wonderful
opportunities for volunteers to form life-changing
relationships with the people they help. Find out more
about becoming a Client Sidekick, a Community Outreach
Volunteer, or a Madison Community Assistant.
Call Volunteer Services at 204.956.4344
Sponsor the Meal
Get your Corporate Team Involved
Our Sponsor the Meal Program encourages local businesses to
partner with us to provide and serve meals to Winnipeg’s less
fortunate. Thank you to all our partners for making a difference
in the lives of our neighbours.
Partners can opt in at different levels. This rewarding experience can
provide your organization with both positive exposure and a unique
opportunity to grow together as a team. For more information, please
contact Judy Richichi at 204.956.4344; [email protected] or
visit www.siloam.ca/get-involved/sponsor-the-meal-program/
Champion for Change
Alina Schumacher of
Schumacher Realty Ltd
Downtown Winnipeg Biz
Pearl Vision
Subway Restaurants
Boeing
Danny’s Whole Hog BBQ
& Smokehouse
Gold Partner for Change
Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries
Partner for Change
Bell Media Radio Winnipeg
– BOB 99.9/Virgin
103.1/1290 Sports
Bison Fire and Safety
CHVN Radio
City Tv
Corus Radio Winnipeg –
680 CJOB
CTV
Global
Integrity Painting and
Decorating
Jim Pattison Media Group
media Radio – FAB 94.3
& QX104
Lowe Mechanical
Manitoba Pork Council
Manitoba Telecom Services
Midtown Ford
Rogers Digital Media –
Radio – 92 CITI FM/
102.3 CLEAR FM
Partner for Dignity
CIBC
Manitoba Used Car Dealers
Association
Mechanical Contractors
Association of Manitoba
RBC Convention Centre –
Winnipeg
RBC Foundation
Regehr’s Printing Ltd
Shona Goulden and
Associates with Realty
Executives First Choice
Partner for Courage
Credit Union Central of
Manitoba
Dillon Consulting
Enterprise Rental Car
Intact Insurance
Manitoba Shinglers
Association
Red River Co-op
Shaw Communications Ltd
Vickar Auto Group
Partner for Hope
BDO
Bold Innovation group
CANASA
Central Canadian Structures
Central Church of Christ
Charleswood Roofing
Clearview Colony
Confidence Management
Cousins Deli and Lounge
Crystal Springs Colony
DeckWorks
Dennis Koslofski
Desjardins Financial Security
Investments Inc
EllisDon Corporation
Elm River Colony
Empire Masonic Lodge
No 127
Employees of Manitoba
Courts
Fabutan
Hewlett Packard
ICUC Moderation Services
James Valley Colony
Jordan Miller & Cre8ery
Gallery & Studio
Meyers Brother’s Trucking
Milltown Colony
Minhas Family
Mona Lisa
Mr Bones Pizza
MTS Lunch for Hope
Oak Bluff Colony
Olive Garden Polo Park
Olive Garden Regent
Pacific Community
Methodist Church
Pillar to Post Home
Inspections
Platinum Jets Inc
Red Lobster Polo Park
Riverbend Colony
Safari Club International
Silverwinds Colony
Sisler High School
Sri Saytha Sai
St Andrew’s River Heights
United Church
Starlite Colony
Steinbach Credit Union
Super Auto Centres
Suzanne Mariani – Suzanne
Mariani – RE/MAX
Professionals
Teshmont Consultants
The Fairmont Winnipeg
The Kaushal Family
Vitality Integrative Medicine
Windy Bay Colony
Winmar Restoration
Winnipeg Kia
Zurich Canada
Big Shout Out
to our Monthly Partners
Thank you to all our monthly partners who help us
all through the year. Because of you, we are able to
continue the programs and services which bring hope
and a helping hand up to so many of our inner city
neighbours. Your faithfulness is greatly appreciated.