Local 500 partners for hope at Siloam Mission
October 01, 2012 at 2:58 PM
Local 500 members and staff recognize the importance of giving back to the community. On Saturday, September 29, fifteen Local 500 members, staff and family members, were pleased to devote some time at Siloam Mission.
The Local partnered for hope by contributing $1,000 to sponsor a meal and volunteered to help serve alongside others at the downtown homeless shelter.
"In light of the tough economic times, the Local decided to give back to our community by providing financial support to help those who are less fortunate,” said Local 500 President, Mike Davidson. “We care about our community. That's who we work for and who we serve everyday.”
As many as 2,000 homeless people live in Winnipeg and about 400 - 500 people visit Siloam Mission every day. The shelter feeds individuals or families from all walks of life. Some of its patrons are desperately seeking work and some are senior citizens forced to choose between buying their prescriptions, or food for the month.
Volunteers play a critical role in the shelter's daily operation. From washing dishes to scooping potatoes, volunteers prepare the meal, serve the meal and clean-up afterwards.
"I think it's great that our members came out to help those in need," said Davidson. “Until you see the need, you really don’t realize the huge impact Siloam has on so many lives. It's truly been an eye opener for all of us."
The shelter is always in urgent need of items such as coffee, socks, underwear, toiletries like toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, soap, etc. If you wish to donate any of these items, they can be dropped off at their main building at 300 Princess Street, Monday-Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Local 500 Partner for Hope volunteers: Front row, L-R, Wally Skomoroh, Mike Davidson,
Middle row, L-R, Betty-Ann Blair, Margaret Feliksiak, Katie Davidson, Cathy Williams-Stewart,
Barb Verschoore, Alex McClurg; Back row, L-R, Howard McCubbin, Craig McBain,
Phil Dembicki,Joan McMahon, Brian Barron, Ted Yorke. (Missing from photo: Jesse Quesnel).
Click here to view photo gallery at Siloam Mission
