Born & raised in Winnipeg, Chris enjoys cooking, reading & writing. He is currently in the process of writing a sci-fi book. His joy of cooking has often led him to pick up work as a line cook. Chris has lived and worked in other cities in Canada, including Edmonton, but he has always called Winnipeg home. Chris has found that being enrolled in the Exit up and Madison program has put positive reinforcements in his life and taught him to persevere. Spending time with a friend, over coffee is what makes him happy. For Chris, giving gifts to others is what Christmas is all about.

Dustin was born and raised in Winnipeg. He loves to serve others and really wants a volunteer job at Siloam Mission. Christmas is the time that brings a smile to his face. He helped decorate the tree at the Madison this year, no doubt thinking about his favorite gift he has ever received—his Michael Hudson jersey.

Kyle is a Winnipegger who loves to watch movies and listen to music. Movies and music from the 1960s have a special appeal for him. He’s always wanted a portable DVD player to indulge in his favourite past time and if given the opportunity, he would give a HMV gift certificate as a Christmas gift to one of his friends who loves music as well.

Jeff was born and raised in Winnipeg and loves to volunteer and travel around the city. He has a kind face, is shy and soft spoken. His face brightened as he thought of getting a new sweater for Christmas.

Ronin is originally from Vancouver and came to Winnipeg 12 years ago for a change of scenery. His favourite place is Los Angeles, but he thinks anywhere with no snow is awesome. He loves learning new things and this can be seen in his diverse work experience where the common theme is fast-paced and independent work. He has been unable to find full-time work and finds that quite challenging but finds comfort in his Roman Catholic faith, his pastor and in reading books, especially science fiction. A year ago Ronin met his younger brother for the first time in 40 years. Ronin and his brother had been separated and adopted by different families when Ronin was only 4. Last year was the first time they had met after his brother had spent years tracking him down. He would love to see his brother again some day. For Ronin, Christmas is about celebrating Christ’s birthday, but is also too close to his own birthday for his liking. He thinks the best gift he could give someone at Siloam would be a skidoo suit and good boots to keep a person warm.

Tony has lived in Thunder Bay, Terrace BC and in St. Boniface. He’s been a bus driver and has worked for Purolator, the Winnipeg Free Press and SAAN Stores. His greatest difficulty is an extensive list of health problems that bring on fatigue quite quickly, making it difficult to find work. He finds encouragement through the difficulties in feeling safe and taken care of at the Madison, in meeting people and in biking in the summer months. He finds hope in reading and watching church on TV. For Tony, Christmas is all about the kids…bringing them joy. If he had the finances, he would provide a landscape picture of water in the countryside to a fellow resident as a Christmas gift.

Kelly came from Russel, MB to Winnipeg to visit his stepbrother. Though he spent some time working in construction, his real passion is rebuilding cars. In fact, it is the memories of doing exactly that for friends and family, which brings him hope during the challenges that he now faces. Christmas is a time for family in his mind and this Christmas he wishes he could increase the quality of life of a friend struggling with cancer with a constructive and fun gift!

Big L is originally from Sudbury, Ontario but has lived in Winnipeg since the early '80's. A man with a big heart, he enjoys reading the newspaper, watching TV/Sports and listening to a wide range of music, from soft classical to rock & roll. Big L has worked various jobs over the years in security & street cleaning, as well as employment with a production green sand Foundry. At times, Big L faced his own personal challenges & struggles. It's during these times that he counts the Downtown Biz and certain Wpg police officers as family supports because they were there for him in his time of need and provided hope, protection & encouragement to keep going. Big L has been sober for 10 years now. Recently, his health has began to decline, due to diabetes & he has not been able to work. When he heard that Siloam was taking applications for Madison, he applied. Today he's planning on returning to work twice a week as a street cleaner. Big L believes we can make a difference in another's life if we see the person first before their afflictions and put down all judgments. If he had an opportunity to give a gift to someone at Siloam, he would give them dignity and respect, along with a sandwich, a cup of coffee, bus fare & info on where to find a place to sleep.

Marky was born and raised in Winnipeg and has spent the last six years living at the Madison when he was dislocated from his previous residence. He studied sociology at the University of Winnipeg for several years. Mark finds joy in reading – all types of genres of books – especially non-fiction. He has a keen interest in human behaviour. Marky’s favourite Christmas gift was a pair of warm boots to get outside during the cold winter. If he could give a gift to someone at the Madison it would be a nice warm coat to also keep them warm.

Kent was born and raised in Winnipeg but lost his parents at sixteen. He worked hard and received on the job training in woodworking and auto body repair, the latter of which became his passion. He was laid off from his job but working on cars continues to bring him joy. He has never received a Christmas gift, so this Christmas will be unique experience for him.

Floyd was born in Swan River and has lived in Winnipeg for the past 15 years. The opportunity to meet new people and his belief in Jesus puts a smile on his face. His best Christmas memory was receiving a candy cane from his mom and dad when he was eight years old. To share the Christmas spirit, he would give cards to his stepsister and program director, Heather.

Donald was born in Oakpoint, MB. He moved to Winnipeg in 2000. The simple things like having a cup of coffee and toasted Cheez Whiz sandwich and watching CTV Morning Live make him happy. Donald can’t remember receiving gifts. He would like to give a basket of scented potpourri to encourage someone else living at the Madison.

Gordon moved from Brandon to Winnipeg two years ago. He has a daughter in Winnipeg. Hockey makes him happy. He enjoys every opportunity to wear his Jets sweatshirt and cheering on his favourite team. In fact, his favourite Christmas gift was receiving hockey equipment and playing hockey for fun.

Ray is long-time Winnipegger with a love of music. He loves when someone makes an unexpected encouragement to him. He has fond memories of Christmas cards, and a time when some ladies met him on the street and offered to pray for him. To encourage others at the Siloam community, he would like them to see the sights and sounds of live hockey with the Manitoba Moose.

Tracy is from Winnipeg and finds that life always has a way of bringing a smile to her face. She welcomes new friendships and values companionship. Tracy would absolutely love a Teddy Bear hamster along with the equipment that goes with it as she just recently lost her mother and is looking for a source of companionship. For her, the perfect gift for a friend at the Madison would be a good book to read so that they could sit down and discuss it together.

Originally from Stonewall, MB, Colin is a reserved, soft spoken, quiet man, who has lived in Winnipeg for 18 years. He is currently enrolled in the Madison Supportive Housing Program. The Madison is a wonderful place of intentional community building, with support workers & a core group of volunteers on-site that help people, like Colin break out of their shell by organizing activities that integrate them into the community and help them build confidence. When asked what he'd like for Christmas, Colin's face brightened up with the thought of receiving a blanket & warm winter clothing.

James was born in Guelph, Ontario and has been in Winnipeg for the last 30 years of his life. He gets joy out of volunteering and has volunteered at Agape Table for the past 28 years. He feels his purpose is to give back to his community and make others happy. Numerous health issues have prevented James from having regular work. At 57 years old his goal is to continue to go back to school to eventually work as a health care aid. The best Christmas gift James has received is the gift of Jesus Christ and his hope is to continue to give his heart to people every day and to help others come to faith.

Leo is originally from a reserve north of Emerson but has been in Winnipeg for over 40 years now. He grew to enjoy cooking after working in a cafeteria and at Red Rive Ex. He came to stay at the Madison after his Aunt who he was living with passed away. He finds encouragement in the hope of one day reliving his cooking days. For Leo, Christmas is about having a fun time with friends at the Madison and giving/receiving gifts. For him, the ideal gift to give to residents at the Madison would be coffee mugs and bags filled with small gifts.

Boomer grew up in St. Rose De Lac. He spent some time in Vancouver and now lives in Winnipeg. He was raised in a very musical family and fell in love with the guitar at an early age. He also has a passion to help people, which he demonstrates at the Madison. This passion has been instrumental in helping him overcome depression. He plans to attend university in January and take Applied Counseling in order to turn his love for helping people into a career.

Paul was born and raised in Winnipeg but travelled to Florida to work on a cruise ship as a cook. He was a chef at Sorrento’s for many years on his return to Winnipeg but had to give that up for health reasons. The greatest joy in his life is his family, namely his grandkids and daughter whom he raised by himself since the age of one. The best gift he ever received was a homemade Christmas card.

Derail originally from Calgary, spent 10 years in Ontario, moved to Winnipeg in 2003. What makes him smile is having a good day; playing video games, and eating lasagne. His fondest Christmas memory is receiving a Playstation and Super Nintendo game. If he had the opportunity to encourage someone else at the Madison, he would give a Tim Horton’s or Walmart gift card

Siutton is from North Nunavut. She looks forward to seeing her five children and twelve grandchildren; playing computer games like Candy Crush; or having a cup of tea with a friend. Her favourite Christmas gift was receiving a small sewing machine. . To spread the Christmas spirit, she would give cleaning supplies and Santa socks to someone else at the Madison.

Rick is a Winnipegger. He is most happy watching movies, and spending time in nature. He fondly remembers his summers in Fox Lake, Ontario swimming and watching wildlife. His favourite Christmas gift was getting a book on nature. Rick would love to share the Christmas spirit by giving his friend a book about aviation.

Justin is a Winnipegger. He enjoys anything associated with aviation. His fondest experience was flying in a simulator. Justin would give a friend at the Madison a nice bottle of women’s perfume for Christmas.

John grew up in south Winnipeg (Windsor Park). What makes him happy? That would be his health, the clothes on his back, food, no pressure of bills, and dignity. The best things he has received as Christmas gifts were a mat, lamp, brand new coat and boots. For Christmas, he would give clothing and a bible to encourage another person at the Madison.

Joseph is a resident at the Madison trying to overcome multiple challenges in his life. He credits the staff in the Siloam programs for giving him hope while dealing with his mental illness. His friends at the Madison have also helped him through the struggle of quitting smoking. Someone who enjoys a good meal, Joseph is looking forward to gathering with family this Christmas. He is especially hopeful to see and encourage his mom, who lives in a nursing home.

Claire was born and raised here in Winnipeg. She has a huge love of animals, especially dogs, and worked in a doggy daycare for 7 years. Claire came to Siloam after being incarcerated and having no place to go. One of her biggest accomplishments in life is her sobriety and she finds strength in that victory and finds encouragement from her sponsor through AA to keep sober, honest and disciplined. For Claire, Christmas is all about family and showing love through gifts. If she were to give a Christmas present to someone else at Siloam, she would give a gift certificate to Tim Hortons or McDonalds so they could warm up with a coffee.

Dave is from Winnipeg and enjoys running, biking and helping other people. A smile comes to his face quickly when enjoying good food, especially lasagna and spaghetti. He is happy to share with anyone that he’s been sober for the past 4 years and that he finds encouragement in the good friends and staff at the Madison. For Dave, Christmas is a good day and he considers a DVD player the gift he would give to anyone at the Madison if he had the money to do so.

Lorna grew up quite poor in Sagkeeng but has been living in Winnipeg for the past 30 years, living at the Madison for the last 1 ½ years. She was a social worker for 9 years working with mothers, but found that in many ways it was those she was helping who taught her so much about life. Lorna hopes to work again soon. She has 5 kids, 15 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Family is what makes Lorna smile, as does praying, board games and mingling with other people. For Lorna, Christmas is about peace, love and joy and wishes these things could be seen every day of the year.

Tannis was born and raised in Winnipeg. Her passion is art. She studied Monet; reading books about him and exploring his paintings. She especially enjoys his “Sunrise” piece. She creates her own artwork focusing on drawing and painting scenic sites.

Guy was born and raised in Winnipeg. He worked for 40 years and enjoyed working with his co-workers. He loves his family so much that he sold his house so that he could place his mother in a nursing home. Guy would love to focus on his health going forward as he just had surgery a few months ago and is a diabetic. He used to enjoy Christmas and loved giving gifts to others, but unfortunate events that occurred over the holiday season has now make it a difficult time for him. Guy would want to receive a gift certificate so he can buy what he really needs or a pair of diabetic socks.

Myrna arrived in Winnipeg from the country when she was just 7 years old. She enjoys nice weather, bowling and shopping. She has stayed in the Madison for 2 years now. Given the opportunity she would like to give perfume and lipstick to any of the other women who call the Madison home.

Sammy was born in Teulon, MB and has lived in Winnipeg since 1999. He found it to be a challenge to get established in Winnipeg and has lived at the Madison for several months. Sammy is thankful every day for each new day of his life. His favourite Christmas gift was a sweatshirt from a friend who shared the idea of Kris Kringle with him. If Sammy could give a gift to someone at the Madison it would be a sweatshirt or some chocolates.

Richard is originally from Paraguay but has been living in Winnipeg since he was 5 years old. He has held different jobs in the past, including shipping & receiving and was a baker for a year. Richard came to Siloam after being evicted and living on the streets and sleeping at Main Street Project. He loves to play cards and read books, his favourites being thrillers and non-fiction. For Richard, his family is what brings him hope through the difficulties and Christmas is especially special as its a time to get together with his large family which includes 10 nieces and nephews. If he could afford to, he would give boots to someone else receiving help at Siloam Mission.

Greg was born and raised in Winnipeg and was lovely to chat with. He has been working for Scope Inc since 2009 and is currently training to be a lead hand in snow shoveling. He came to the Madison after living arrangements with a roommate took a turn for the worse. Christmas is both a sad and meaningful time for him as he used to spend holidays with his father, but his father passed away from a massive heart attack a few years ago. Friends and family have helped him get through the difficulties of life and loss. For Greg, a gift card is a perfect gift for one of the other residents at the Madison as they can choose something for themselves.

Sheila is a Winnipegger, born and raised. She has started AA meetings twice. Her children and first grandchild keep her very happy and motivated. They drive her sobriety and her desire to improve herself through school. She is currently graduating from RRC (working with troubled youth). She is passionate to work with them because of her own challenging upbringing. Sheila wants to give back to her community. She wants to share with those struggling that there is another way. It will depend on their choices. She owes her life to her children, grandchild, and to those who’ve helped her. She knows what she has to offer and it is needed. The gift of sobriety would be the best gift to share with someone struggling.

Wayne is a soft spoken and serious man. His conversations tend to be short and without much embellishment. With a history in Winnipeg approaching 6 decades, however, Wayne understands well the practical value of warm winter clothing. His most valued Christmas gifts of the past have been socks and underwear. He would appreciate those again, and would definitely recommend them as gifts to other members in the Siloam community.

Curtis was born in rural Manitoba and has lived in Winnipeg for 25 years. He has worked in the printing industry at Transcontinental and in plastics. Unfortunately he's needed to distance himself from family to deal with challenges. Christmas reminds Curtis of candy canes, christmas trees and fond memories of his mother's shortbread cookies. He hopes that now he lives at the Madison with stable housing he'll be able to find a job. Being in nature and colouring bring him joy. His favourite places to walk include along the Assiniboine River and Osborne Village.