talking about debt

Talking About Debt at Siloam Mission

  • By Bonnie Hooley, LIT

We hear about so many wonderful things happening in our communities on a daily basis. For most of us, we never give them a second thought. The encouraging story that makes the news feed of the week warms our hearts and gives us reassurance that “we” are doing good things.

We rarely understand the teams of volunteers needed to keep our great city humming. We have no grasp on the vast number of non-profit groups and committees that operate on a daily basis to help their neighbors. Many groups have seen a need and created a community of volunteers to fill the void – individuals and companies volunteering time and resources by doing what they can to reach out a hand to the community.

I don’t think we realize that to some degree, every aspect of society relies on volunteers to survive. We need these groups to keep us civilized. Without these hundreds of volunteers and volunteer groups out there, cities would be savage jungles, chaos with everyone out for themselves.

A non-profit that’s making a difference

Siloam Mission is one such group that has made a huge difference to our city. The work this non-profit does with the homeless of our city is truly amazing.

I was honored to be invited to visit their facility. Even before leaving my car, I could see them distributing water to anyone who asked on this hot summer day. I was greeted at my car warmly and offered a tour of their amazing recently renovated facility.

We started with the sleeping quarters. Crisp clean beds with bedding are waiting for the 153 guests that need this space nightly. Guests that would otherwise be sleeping on our streets.

The kitchen and eating area was clean and appeared spacious. That was until I realized they feed up to 600 people, three times a day. Putting a meal together for your small family can seem like a chore, but Siloam Mission does it with full reliance on volunteers. They had just finished feeding a group less than a half hour before. The place was now empty and spotless in preparation for the evening meal.

There were showers and laundry facilities to help with the basics. This non-profit organization has truly thought of everything that is necessary to help the homeless.

More than a charity

I quickly recognized that Siloam Mission is more than just a recognized charity. It is really hundreds of unrecognized volunteers reaching out a helping hand to the destitute in our community and not asking for anything in return. Yet, providing survival basics is not where it ends.

Siloam Mission now offers programs to assist people to transition to a better life. They provide life skills and coping strategies and assist people working through recovery. This was the reason for my invitation.

They welcomed me into their meeting area, where there were comfortable chairs and couches. I was invited to chat with some of the guests going through recovery and was greeted by a group of men who were humbly struggling to move forward.

Moving forward towards financial recovery

I was able to share with them how L. C. Taylor & Co. Ltd, Licensed Insolvency Trustees may be able to assist them in moving forward. We talked about how the fallout of struggling with addictions is often broken relationships and financial chaos. The financial strain could hinder them from getting back on their feet, but it doesn’t have to. I let them know there are options under the Bankruptcy & Insolvency Act to assist them.

I talked to them about my role as a Trustee in assisting them with their financial recovery. Also assisting them with taking a personal inventory of their financial situation. Letting them know all options available for helping them get back on their feet. When necessary, we could assist with one of the government procedures offered under the BIA, such as a Consumer Proposal or filing an Assignment in Bankruptcy.

We also discussed how a Bankruptcy or Proposal was not an easy way out but was designed for the honest and unfortunate debtors, to assist them in getting back on their feet in an affordable manner. I pointed out that filing a Bankruptcy or Proposal can provide a way to face their creditors and make amends of the past.

I ensured they understood that there was no cost to meet with us. The staff at L. C. Taylor & Co. Ltd. are willing to donate their time to assist in determining and taking the next steps – steps that assist on their road to financial recovery. I wanted them to know, we are here for them.

Giving back to the community

At L. C. Taylor & Co. Ltd we talk to and meet with hundreds of people every year, who never proceed with an option under the Bankruptcy Act. People who just need guidance and direction with their financial situation. We are happy to donate our expertise in the niche that we see a need. We recognize the value it holds for our community. Our way of helping keep Winnipeg a great community.

We don’t hear often enough about the wonderful things happening in our communities on a daily basis. While the news articles cover some of the larger agencies who have obtained notoriety and recognition, it doesn’t begin to cover what is really going on – the thousands of volunteers working without recognition or acknowledgement.

Vast amounts of Manitobans donating time and resources to help their neighbor, to make their community better. Working quietly behind the scenes. Not looking for fame or recognition, but truly doing what is right because it is the right thing to do.

We don’t hear about the numerous nameless volunteers and I believe that is what truly makes this a great community!

Bonnie Hooley, LIT

Bonnie has worked in the insolvency field since 1980. She is a graduate of the University of Manitoba, with a degree in Social Work. In 1999 she attained her license as a Licensed Insolvency Trustee. Bonnie has her Foundation Studies in Accounting from the Certified General Accountants (CGA). She is Read More Bonnie has worked in the insolvency field since 1980. She is a graduate of the University of Manitoba, with a degree in Social Work. In 1999 she attained her license as a Licensed Insolvency Trustee. Bonnie has her Foundation Studies in Accounting from the Certified General Accountants (CGA). She is a member of the Canadian Association of Insolvency and Restructuring Professionals (CAIRP) and Past President of the Manitoba Association of Insolvency and Restructuring Professionals (MAIRP). Bonnie has served on various boards within her community. Her hobby is quilting, her passion is Christ. Close

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