Local organization helping people experiencing homelessness wins $1,500

(Left to Right) Vicki Smith, Allison DeBlaire and Brent Hodson.

A London organization has won a national campaign, The BIG Holiday Giveback, for their efforts to help people experiencing homelessness and food insecurity.

519 Pursuit, operated by mostly volunteers, delivers overs 1,000 meals to Londoners each week, while also providing care packages with tents, blankets, backpacks, snacks and clothing.

It was started in 2017 by Allison DeBlaire and Amber Irvine.

The reward for winning the campaign is a $1,500 Downtown Dollars Gift Card, an initiative launched in 2021 by Downtown London BIA.

The money is meant to be spent at local businesses.

According to DeBlaire, the money will be used to directly support unhoused people.

“Some of the least donated and most needed items are socks, underwear and gloves, and we’ll be using the Gift card to buy gloves and mittens to keep people warm during the Holiday season. We’re truly grateful to everyone that took the time to nominate us,” said DeBlaire.