There is hope in the city of Windsor.
The 3rd annual Hope in the City luncheon put on for the Salvation Army attracted several hundred to the Caboto Club.
It's a soft launch to the Christmas Kettle campaign with a goal this year of $315,000.
Salvation Army plans a formal Kettle Campaign kickoff Thursday at the Spits game. #cklw pic.twitter.com/LAFK5e8fQ1
— Peter Langille (@PLangille800) November 13, 2017
Salvation Army spokesperson Shannon Wise says it raises awareness of the issues they deal with.
Salvation Army spokesperson Shannon Wise (by AM800's Peter Langille)
Wise says former Lions quarteback Eric Hipple was their keynote speaker.
She says bringing awareness to the issue of mental illness is one of their goals.
"That's one of the issues that's at the forefront of problems here in the city that people need resources" explains Wise. "So if the Salvation Army, we can't do it for you we will connect you to the people who can, to specifically help your individual needs."
Hipple spoke about his personal challenges with mental illness and how he's overcome them and now is an outreach specialist with the Eisenhower Centre.
His first book, the award winning "Real Men Do Cry" is followed up by his current one "Living Life on the Offence."
Hipple signed books at the luncheon donating all proceeds to the Salvation Army.