SILOAM MISSON OPENS GYM FOR HOMELESS THANKS TO INTERNS, DONATED GEAR
First gym of its kind in Manitoba provides low-income people with access to exercise equipment and training free of charge
Winnipeg, Manitoba (July 21 , 2011) – Siloam Mission has opened a volunteer-run gym on the fourth floor of its main building for shelter guests who want to stay healthy, get in shape or have an order from their doctor to exercise.
The grand opening of the gym takes place today at 11:00 a.m. at Siloam Mission, 300 Princess St.
The gym is a direct response to the need that health centre staff at Siloam Mission have observed and is an extension of the health care already provided onsite, which includes free dental care, foot care, chiropractic services and health education.
“When you’re living on the street, the first thing to take a beating is your health,” says Vicki Olatundun, manager of Siloam Mission’s onsite Saul Sair Health Centre.
“We see patients every day who should be getting some exercise but don’t have access to equipment because of their financial limitations. Many of them have expressed their desire to work out, but simply can’t afford a gym membership.”
The gym first took shape when two University of Manitoba Occupational Therapy students interned at Siloam earlier this year.
After hearing about Siloam’s vision for a workout centre, Craig Bennett and Nadine Blankvoort devoted their internship to developing a fitness program and collecting donated gym equipment.
The Floor Show donated the gym floor; Shapes Fitness Centres donated the treadmills, elliptical and various exercise machines; Curves Steinbach donated hydraulic equipment; Grace Hospital donated the rowing machine; and Diamond Athletic donated all the sporting accessories, gym balls, skipping ropes, mats and various other accessories.
As well, private donors donated the free-weights, and CEL Electric together with a volunteer electrician wired the gym at a discounted rate.
After a trial period with a small number of participants, Siloam has now opened the gym to all guests of the shelter.
The gym is open two hours a day, five days a week. Volunteer trainers and instructors – all of them provided by the Manitoba Fitness Council — help participants set up a workout schedule.
Siloam provides gym clothes, shoes and magazines for all participants to ensure they have a dignified experience.
The gym is intended to help guests of Siloam Mission:
- Work out frustrations. Many guests at Siloam face frustrating circumstances. Working out is a cathartic way to release some of those frustrations and emotions without having to necessarily talk about them.
- Build confidence. Gym participants can set goals with their volunteer trainers and work at achieving them, which boosts self-esteem and can encourage a person to set goals in other areas of their life as well.
- Boost self-esteem. Typically gyms are exclusive in nature – only those with a membership can participate. As well, many times you need adequate gym clothes to fit into the gym culture – something that many low-income individuals can’t afford. Going to the gym at Siloam will allow guests to feel like they are part of a gym community and boost self-esteem.
- Stay healthy. Volunteer doctors at Siloam’s health centre often recommend that the patients get more exercise. The gym is an opportunity for them to stay healthy, work on the areas their doctor recommended and prevent further health complications.
- Get in shape. A life on the street can include self-destructive habits. The gym will allow participants to do something good for their bodies and get in shape.
To see or download pictures of the gym, click here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/61203562@N03/sets/72157627110503499/
EDITORS, PLEASE NOTE: Vicki Olatundun, Manager of Siloam’s Saul Sair Health Center, Craig Bennett, Nadine Blankvoort, volunteer trainers and participants of the gym program will be available for interview at the grand opening.
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For more information, please contact:
Mike Duerksen
Communications Coordinator
Office: 204.956.4344 ext.238
Cell: 204.228.6429
mike.duerksen@siloam.ca
