Fourth annual Saint John Hope in the City Fundraising Breakfast a success

Canada’s ambassador to Ireland, who heroically shot the lone gunman that stormed Parliament Hill’s Centre Block on Oct.22, 2014 spoke in Saint John today to support The Salvation Army’s fourth annual Hope in the City Leadership Breakfast. The event drew a crowd of approximately 900 to the Saint John Trade and Convention Centre for a morning of networking, inspirational speaking and education. The event raises funds for The Salvation Army’s Emergency Community Response Unit (CRU) and Community and Family Services Department in Saint John.

"Welcome to the Hope in the City Breakfast.  What a very fitting name for this event , and for this city," remarks New Brunswick Premier Brian Gallant.  "Thank you for the  work that The Salvation Army does to help eradicate poverty and provide those essential needs, to those less fortunate.  It is not only hope for this city, but hope for the whole province"

A native of Miramichi, New Brunswick, the former Sergeant-At-Arms was applauded as a hero in the House of Commons and received international attention for his role in the takedown.  Vickers has a wide range of accolades stemming from his 29 years of work with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) which includes: receiving the Queen's Jubilee Medal, the Canada 125 Medal and the RCMP Long Service Medal. He was also recognized by the Community of Burnt Church for outstanding service to their community and by the United States Drug Enforcement Agency for his "Outstanding Contribution to Drug Enforcement".

"My parents instilled values that include respecting the dignity of others, and compassion for the less fortunate, and that is the essence of The Salvation Army," said Vickers.  "Ten percent of Canadians live in poverty and with the help of The Army it is time to end poverty in Canada."

During his time with the RCMP, Mr. Vickers provided security for VIPs, including Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness, Prince Andrew. He also served as an Aide-de-Camp for the Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick.

 

“We are honoured to have Canada’s ambassador to Ireland, and Canadian hero, Kevin Vickers with us today, helping us to raise funds and inspire leaders within our community,” says Major Danny Pinksen. “The money raised from our breakfast stays in Saint John to fund the CRU and to run our essential programs to help vulnerable individuals with access to basic needs such as food, clothing and shelter.”

Since 2011, The Salvation Army’s Emergency Community Response Unit (CRU) has responded to numerous disasters and emergencies across New Brunswick, including floods and fires, as well as providing care to the homeless during the cold winter months.

The morning was made possible thanks to numerous sponsors who partnered with The Salvation Army for this event. Among the top level, or Platinum sponsors are: JD Irving Limited, Telus, Telegraph Journal, Midland Transport, RBC Wealth Management, and K100 Radio.