Man donates $40,000 residential school settlement to Siloam Mission in Winnipeg
Man donates $40,000 residential school settlement to Siloam Mission
He’s given all his life ... as a young man my Uncle William (Bill) Woodford enlisted and went to fight a war to insure that his friends and family from Fairford First Nation could enjoy the freedom of today.
I remember when he lived with us upon his return that his manners were beyond reproach.
He continued to be a “soldier” even to this day, he talks with the “no sir, yes sir” army style jargon.
He surprised workers at Siloam Mission Friday when he walked in off the street and donated his $40,000 residential school settlement to the inner-city shelter.
More than 85 years old – he had never set foot in Siloam Mission and had never used the services offered by the mission. His only goal was to help out and give his money to a place that was doing “good” work helping others - helping his family and friends, the mission said in a news release.
“I never cease to be amazed at the great things people do, especially, in this case by someone who was wronged so greatly,” Siloam CEO John Mohan said in the press release.
“I personally express my appreciation to the donor,” he said.
Margret, the man’s niece, who is also elderly, lives in Manitoba Housing and comes to Siloam Mission for her morning coffee.
On Friday, he showed up at the shelter with a cheque in hand.
When staff realized the amount of the donation, he was asked if he was sure that he wanted to donate such a large sum.
He was adamant that this was what he wanted to do with his residential school settlement money.