National Hero Bringing Hope to London

London, Ontario – We are thrilled to announce our Keynote Speaker for our 6th annual ‘Hope in the City’ breakfast. You’ll recognize him as the face of the monstrous Alberta wildfires–former Fire Chief Darby Allen. Allen was Regional Fire Chief of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (now retired), an area that encompasses the community of Fort McMurray.

In spring 2016, he spearheaded the evacuation of the city’s entire population while the rest of the world watched. Throughout the ensuing weeks of operations, he worked tirelessly with first responders and volunteers, who came from across the nation (and globe) to assist. Celebrated as a national hero, Allen is an example of selfless courage and level-headedness under pressure.

“Chief Allen created hope where there was none,” says Major Pat Phinney, Divisional Secretary for Public Relations. “Local Salvation Army personnel assisted with the disaster in Fort McMurray under Allen’s outstanding leadership and we can’t say enough about this man’s dedication.”

The 6th annual Hope in the City breakfast will be held Wednesday, November 15, 2017 at the Best Western Plus Lamplighter Inn & Conference Centre. For more information and to purchase tickets, go to http://www.hopeinthecitylondon.ca/