The Salvation Army's Harbour Light in Vancouver marked its 60th year of service in the Downtown Eastside this fall. To celebrate the occasion, Harbour Light held its third annual Hope in the Inner City: Soup Kitchen Gala, attended by 150 guests and hosted by Andrew and Stephanie Hungerford.

The goal of this event was to raise funds for Harbour Light's Anchor of Hope, which is home to a daily drop-in centre, 40-bed shelter, outreach team and community church.

As guests arrived at the event, they were greeted by a Salvation Army band playing on the sidewalk outside Harbour Light. The event began with a silent auction and then dinner, which was held at the Army's soup kitchen. Dinner was prepared by executive guest chef David Robertson of The Dirty Apron Cooking School. Much like the soup kitchen's clients, guests collected their soup course in a cafeteria-style line.

The highlight of the program was the presentation of the Life Changer Award to Arthur Thompson, a past client of Harbour Light's drug treatment program who has now been clean for eight years. The Army also presented the Corporate Partner Award to Accenture, a consulting firm, for its continued work, active support and service to the community.

Thanks to the generosity of those in attendance, the event raised $190,000.

“We are so grateful for the support our community has shown us over the last 60 years,” says Major Judy Regamey, executive director. “We have had 60 years of miracles at Harbour Light, and together we can continue to offer hope, shelter and comfort to those in need.”

To see more photos of the event, click here.