Regina/Winnipeg

I apologize for blending two drops into one blog but we have been running a pretty tight timeline with the Travel

Regina
On the drop date in Regina we went for breakfast with Derrick and Joe of the mission. We discussed the history of Souls Harbour Rescue Mission, threw around some ideas and talked about barriers to success. It reminded me of a brain storming session at TENET when tackling a tough design problem. We got on the subject of cheque cashing places and pawn shops. Two barriers to their clientele. Derrick has a sales background and runs the P.R. department. He is also a graduate of the program. Joe hails from a manufacturing background, (my kind of guy). We met Michelle later that morning. She runs the show. Immediately we felt this group operated a little different than the others. It wasn't just Jack, the Harley riding chaplin either. This operation was run much like a business. Don't get me wrong they were focused on helping the less fortunate but they were going to cover their bills while they were doing it. The mission has about 5 buildings all fully paid for. Michelle tells us that her husband and her avoid debt in their personal lives and feel their operation should be run the same. Besides she says, when you own your building each donation is used 100 percent to help the needy and not service a mortgage. I love this woman. I hope she never decides to branch out into medical devices. TENET would not survive the competition.

We made the public drop at 9 am and had CTV, Global and the local newspaper cover the story. MLA Warren McCall joined us and helped unload.

Ramin got some excellent interviews from grads and the team. He was also so impressed with their youth center that he offered to return to help out.

In Winnipeg

We had a restless night in the Walmart parking lot but nothing we couldn't shake of with a subway coffee. At first look the Silome Mission looked a lot like a number of other groups we have visited. The outside is brick building that may have been an old factory. Inside it is bright and modern with a good feel. We arrived at lunch and it smelled great. I didn't have much breakfast and imagined the guests were hungrier than me. Beverly toured us through the facility and showed us its many facets. They have an art program targeted as therapy allowing their guests to express themselves in a different media. It was not for sale. Shame as some of the work was excellent. Most impressive was the state of the art health facility that was on site. This is the first location that we have seen provide this level of care. They have two full dental suites, chiropractic facilities, exam rooms, and a lab. The facility and equipment were supplied by a local pharmacist who donated the funds. The clinic is staffed by volunteer Dr.s and treats anyone regardless if they have a current Manitoba health care card or not. Keri, director of the Saul Sair health Center told us if she could have anything to add to their capabilities it would be a full time physician staff member who could address mental health issues. Beverly finished the tour with words to this effect. "Most Canadians live two paychecks from being homeless", loss of ones job combined with a personal disaster or addiction could find any one of us amongst the ranks of the clients at Silome Mission. If so, pack clean underwear cause from what I saw 2500 pair are not going to last long.

Best press coverage yet.

On the road for Toronto.

Brent