The gloves were on in the 'Fight to End' charity boxing event
They were putting on the glam, and lacing up the gloves Wednesday night in a bid to fight homelessness.
About one thousand people were on hand for the second annual The Fight to End at RBC Place in London, Ont.
The charity boxing event raised money for Joan’s Place, a future home in downtown London for young mothers experiencing homelessness.
The amateur fighters come from all walks of life and went through rigorous training.
Among those getting into the ring are Kim Sutherland from The Chef Kim.
“I’m a single mom. I couldn’t imagine not being without my kids,” she said, “Being able to give a little bit back to help another mom or someone who is in need. It was an easy choice to make.”
The first event in 2019, raised $80,000. Organizers are hoping to better that number and the money will go to purchase appliances and furnishings for the 39 apartments at Joan’s Place, an initiative of Youth Opportunities Unlimited (YOU).
YOU executive director Steve Cordes said he’s amazed by those who stepped up for the event.
“We couldn’t do our work without a big generous and giving community and a caring community that’s around us,” said Cordes. “The thing about these boxers that are stepping in out of their day job, making time for the training, raise pledges in pursuit of the cause and fundraising goal. All of that is just so outstanding.”
Each fight consists of three one-minute rounds and has certified ring officials, including judges and referees. The event is sanctioned by Boxing Ontario.
Among those who weighed in was Bell Media radio personality Jay Stevens.
“You know it’s been a tonne of fun, a tonne of sweat, there’s been a little bit of blood, and very few tears, but super excited,” said Stevens.
Event co-chair Brett Lucier said hundreds of people applied to get into the ring.
“We selected 40 people to come out, ended up with 32 participants that are matching up for the 16 bouts tonight. Unbelievable. They’re leading all with their hearts and hopefully not their faces.”
Joan’s Place is set to open in 2024 at the corner of Richmond and York Streets in London.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Jasper wildfire burns buildings, while poor air quality forces some fire crews out
A fast-moving wildfire has hit Jasper, Alberta, destroying buildings and chasing some wildland firefighters away with dangerously poor air quality.
Jasper mayor says alert system to be reviewed after message 'glitch'
More than 25,000 people have been displaced from Jasper National Park since wildfires started to threaten the picturesque corner of Alberta Rockies on Monday, but the mayor of its namesake municipality says not everyone received an evacuation alert when it was sent out.
Norad intercepts Russian and Chinese bombers operating together near Alaska in apparent first
The North American Aerospace Defence Command (Norad) intercepted two Russian and two Chinese bombers flying near Alaska Wednesday in what appears to be the first time the two countries have been intercepted while operating together.
Biden explains why he ended re-election bid in Oval Office address
U.S. President Joe Biden on Wednesday delivered a solemn call to voters to defend the country's democracy as he laid out in an Oval Office address his decision to drop his bid for reelection and throw his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris.
Barrie-Innisfil MPP 'blacked-out' and crashed car into window of child care centre
Staff at a Barrie child care centre say they are frustrated by what they call a local MPP's inadequate response after a car crashed through a window in one of the toddler rooms.
Alberta calls in army to assist with wildfire situation
Alberta has called in the Canadian Armed Forces to help assist with the worsening wildfire situation in the province.
2 Canadians being 'sent home immediately,' removed from Olympic team after drone incident
An analyst and an assistant coach with Canada Soccer are being removed from the Canadian Olympic Team and 'sent home immediately,' according to the Canadian Olympic Committee.
An unwelcome attendee has joined the Paris Olympic Games: COVID-19
After a handful of Australian water polo players tested positive for COVID-19 this week, questions have emerged around how the spread of the disease will be mitigated at the Summer Olympic Games in Paris.
Vacations, meals, booze: Contractor used $100K of charity's money for personal expenses, B.C. court finds
A B.C. man who was hired to help a non-profit build a food hub but instead spent the money on personal expenses – including travel, restaurants, booze and cannabis – has been ordered to pay more than $120,000 in damages.