Good Morning ladies and gentlemen, honoured guests and the volunteers and members of the Good Neighbours Club.

When you hear the term Homeless People the key word in that phrase is “People.” Every person who is homeless, or lives in a marginal housing situation is above all else a person. Each has a past that likely included a family, a job or career and some kind of financial stability. For whatever reason Life intervened, as it will, and those things that give one a sense of dignity and self worth became damaged. But throughout it all the person is still a human being worthy of a passing smile of recognition and perhaps a warm thought.

In my case, my family had a long history in the business of helping others. Some of my family were heath care workers. Others were teachers of people with intellectual disabilities and others fought world hunger. This led me into a long career that ultimately found me as president or CEO of a number of Canada’s leading “people helping” foundations, including foundations for some of the country’s largest health care institutions, a community college, a national world aid organization, and a wide variety of Canadian social service agencies. In this I was part of raising virtually hundreds of millions of dollars to better the lives of others.

Unfortunately ill health forced me to cut short my career and led to the wonders of a major organ transplant. Unable to work, my life underwent some dramatic changes, and subsequent economic challenges. Not too long ago in my search for answers I encountered the Good Neighbours’ Club and became a member. Soon thereafter I was asked to join the Board of Directors. Honoured, I accepted.

As Canada mourns the passing of one of this country’s strongest advocates for people who are homeless or severely economically challenged, Jack Layton, one needs to consider words in his last letter to Canadians just before his death. Jack said, “We can be a better country – a country of greater equality, justice and opportunity. We can build a society that shares its benefits more fairly. So let us be hopeful and optimistic.”

The building we stand in front of is a symbol of what Jack felt we can do. This building houses services to people of every possible background and every station in life. It provides services essential to those with disabilities and special abilities. Here men can find ways to achieve dignity and restore a sense of self respect. To some it is as close to being a home that they will ever find. Here one finds companionship, health and social work services, housing services and of great importance to many, two excellent meals every day. Even parties and event celebrations. There are recreation facilities with games and TV’s, and I particularly frequent the computer room and weekly use the large library. Many use the showers or laundry facilities. You need only to visit our website or call to learn more of what is accomplished here and the outstanding team of volunteers that make it all happen.

It’s been a journey but I am proud to belong to this Club and I am daily rewarded by the friendships I have already made here. I hope that as a member of the Board of Directors my experience will in some small way be of help to secure the future of what people like Jack Layton, and those being honoured here today, envisioned.

Jennifer McCartney wrote a favorite song of mine called “Homeless Heart” In it she sings:

When you’re lost in the dark / When you’re out in the cold / When you’re looking for something / That resembles your soul / When the wind blows your house of cards / I’ll be a home to your homeless heart.

This club is that home. So when you pass any of our members don’t look away but offer a smile of recognition to a fellow human being. And when considering making a gift to an organization consider putting the Good Neighbours Club at the top of your list.

Thank You