Every Community Needs Champions

On the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver a group stands tall to support the community they live and work in. Over the years, the Aquilini Group has been a great friend and partner of the Army, donating thousands to our Vancouver Harbour Light facility on east Cordova. They are also perennial sponsors of our Hope in the City Breakfast. But even more impressive than their financial support, is the genuine interest they show in the rehabilitation of our clients.

Every year, Paolo Aquilini opens up a private suite to clients of Harbour Light to relax, enjoy some good food, take in a game, and go home with a signed Canucks jersey. The experience means more to this group of guys than you can imagine. It allows many of these individuals to escape from the harsh realities of the street and shelter life. It allows them to feel a sense of normalcy, even for one evening. And most importantly, it reminds them that there is hope out there and that people do care about them.

“The event is absolutely one of my favourite things to do,” says Paolo Aquilini. “The team and I look forward to this event every year. The appreciation these guys show when they come to the game is heartwarming and inspiring. A lot of these guys have said to me … ‘this means everything to me,’ which goes straight to my heart. I love these guys and I love the work of The Salvation Army.”

For their years of dedication and commitment to the Army and to those who we serve, we want to thank Paolo and the Aquilini Group for their support. They truly are champions in our community.