Advisory Board Helps Bring Hope in the City Back to Halifax
Held annually during the Christmas season, the Hope in the City leadership breakfast brings together local businesses, organizations and community members to share in a message of expectation and possibility. Although the event in Halifax was paused in 2020 due to the pandemic, Hope in the City made its much-anticipated return last year, thanks in large part to the dedication and leadership of the Halifax Advisory Board.
“Bringing an event back after a five-year hiatus is no small undertaking,” says Neera Ritcey, chair of the Halifax Advisory Board. “There are more events competing for people’s time—particularly around the holidays—and the environment is different. But what hasn’t changed is the important role this event plays in bringing people together and supporting our community. Our focus was on rethinking the experience for today while staying true to what makes the event meaningful.”
The board, along with Salvation Army personnel from the Atlantic Division’s public relations and corporate development teams, met regularly with the common goal to reinvigorate Hope in the City. By making recommendations based on their professional expertise and engaging their own networks, the board was able to secure sponsorship and generate thousands of dollars in ticket sales for the December 2, 2025, event at Hotel Halifax.
“Creating an impactful event requires a team approach,” says Sylvain Morin, vice-chair of the board. “Thanks to the efforts of everyone involved, Hope in the City 2025 was a sold-out event. We’re proud of that accomplishment and we’re excited to make this year’s event even better.”
Hope in the City isn’t just about raising money; the goal of the event is to raise awareness and support of The Salvation Army’s programs and services available for vulnerable individuals and families in the local community.
“If we can reach just one person in a room of 300, then we’ve made a difference,” Neera says. “I’m drawn to this work because I care deeply about people and the role we can play in supporting our community. When people are facing difficult times, they need connection, compassion and a helping hand. That is what makes this event—and the work of The Salvation Army—so important.”
This year’s Hope in the City Halifax will take place November 13 at the Westin Nova Scotian from 7-9 a.m., featuring Canadian icon Mary Walsh as keynote speaker. The Halifax Advisory Board is hard at work to ensure the event receives strong community support and engagement.
