On a cold winter evening in November of 2017, Co-Founder Allison DeBlaire took a crock pot of chicken noodle soup behind a local shelter and served those who could not get a bed that night. After the first gentleman had a taste of the soup, he made an announcement that there was real chicken in the soup and others came running for a bowl. For years working as a Security Guard, Allison was often the voice of exclusion asking individuals facing homelessness to move along. This instilled a want to do better for others and the London community. Through time, empathy and effort a friendship based approach was created. With the help of Co-Founder Amber Irvine and other volunteers, 519Pursuit grew into an operational Organization and Community Outreach Team. In March of 2020 a global pandemic hit and friends facing homelessness and extreme poverty were in need of a little extra support. 519Pursuit formed incredible partnerships with The London Food Bank and RBC Place London to help fill the gaps in Food Security and many volunteers joined 519Pursuit to check on friends living rough (homeless and unsheltered). These partnerships are flourishing and stronger than ever today. 519Pursuit operates Monday-Friday actively in the community through Outreach connecting with friends facing homelessness and supports these operations by community donations through an incredible donation team on Saturdays. Since the crockpot of chicken noodle soup and the official launch of 519Pursuit so many lives have been impacted. We are grateful for each and every person, business, community partner and donor who have taken time to support our mission, become a part of our story and shine the light on homelessness in London, On.
Without YOU there is no 519Pursuit!