Cornwall Ontario — The Nav Centre was packed to help raise money for the Agape Centre food bank. The amateur boxing and sit down dinner event focused on knocking out the effects of hunger in our community.

The guest speaker at this event was former Montreal Canadiens enforcer Chris Nilan. Nilan told the audience, “We’re here for a reason, I wish we weren’t, and that is hunger”. He went on to explain, “when I was young I didn’t always want to go to school, but there are kids now who are thankful to go to school just so they can eat”. Chris Nilan has faced adversity in his own life, and he knows how difficult it is to over come some situations.

David Murphy, who was the emcee at this event, thinks Chris Nilan was a fitting guest speaker. “Its a unique fundraiser. It showcases a sport that doesn’t get the recognition it deserves, while not taking the focus away on the reason for the event – to knock out the effects of hunger. Chris Nilan was a fitting guest speaker with his message of never giving up and he’s proof you can turn your life around for the better”, says Mr. Murphy.

This gala event is a key fundraiser for the local food bank to help the most vulnerable people in our community. “With this fundraiser, the Agapè Centre raises the needed funds that goes helping the most vulnerable in our community. It’s a nice addition to our fundraising in general especially since the need is great this time of year. We partner with Champs Eastside Boxing and are extremely grateful for this partnership. Jorge Luis manages the boxing side of things. Without his assistance, this fundraiser would be a bust”, says Alyssa Blais who is Executive Director of the Agape Centre.

There were countless volunteers and sponsors that made this event a huge success. “Last night’s fundraiser could not of happened without the generous support of over 18 sponsors, our main sponsor CMG Innovation, our lead Luc Marion, our volunteers: Scotiabank, Dave Murphy, Davey Bedard, Frank Burelle, Liam and Graham Greer, Dr. Jay Babcock, all the boxing clubs, the officials, and the announcers. Cogeco is also a big help”, says Ms. Blais.

For those who were unable to attend last night, there are still many ways people can help to knock out hunger. “I think one of the best ways is get informed about the issue, the complexity of this issue and become an active advocate for the most vulnerable. Support local organizations that help our most vulnerable, we are not the only one. It takes a community to rally around this issue, not just those who work in it”, says Ms. Blais. People can give directly to the Agapè Centre by visiting the Centre in person or they can donate online.