Favourite local charity or non-profit

Photo by Daniel Crump

1. Siloam Mission 

2. United Way / Winnipeg Harvest (tie) 

3. Lake Winnipeg Foundation 

 

Ever wonder how generous Manitobans can be? A tour of Siloam Mission can show just how much people give – and how much more help is always needed. 

Since 1987, Siloam Mission has been a place where some go for food and shelter, or to volunteer, be it in the kitchen, in the dining room, in the sorting section (sorting clothes, food or hygiene items downstairs) or working in other corners of the Princess Street building. 

In 2014, Siloam served more than 471,000 meals and had more than 37,000 shelter stays. According to a 2015 street census by the Social Planning Council of Winnipeg, at least 1,727 people are experiencing homelessness in Winnipeg. Many of them are helped by Siloam. 

Whether volunteers and staff are providing people with clothes, hygiene essentials or a blank canvas to paint on, the common thread at Siloam Mission is helping others without judgment. 

People from many walks of life can be spotted at Siloam Mission lending a hand. Chiropractors, dentists, physicians and optometrists volunteer at Siloam’s Saul Sair Health Centre providing holistic healthcare for the less fortunate or homeless. 

Siloam Mission also helps some of its clients get jobs through its Building Futures rehabilitation program. Those looking to gain employment can be assessed for their skill levels and are given opportunities to gain skills for jobs they’re looking for. 

Another goal of Siloam Mission is to help clients become self-sufficient, whether that’s through Building Futures or by providing supportive housing at The Madison apartment block in Wolseley. 

Siloam Mission strives to make positive change and more volunteers and donations are always welcomed. Winter boots and men’s jeans are current items that are in high demand.

Published in Volume 70, Number 13 of The Uniter (December 3, 2015)

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