THUNDER BAY – The Salvation Army Journey to Life Dinner will feature Juno-Award winner Serena Ryder this fall, replacing former NHLer Theoren Fleury as its special guest following public backlash.
The dinner was originally scheduled for Thursday but will now take place on Oct. 16 at the Valhalla Inn.
Salvation Army executive director Gary Ferguson said concerns about Fleury’s views posted on social media were brought to his attention by members of the public.
“We felt their views and beliefs were not reflective of the Salvation Army or reflective of our sponsors,” said Ferguson. “So as soon as we found this out, we directly made a turn and we decided that this was not the person for us or for our community.”
The organization will do deeper vetting of its guests from now on, he added.
Having singer-songwriter and mental health advocated Ryder coming to speak instead is exciting, said Ferguson.
“It’s really exciting to have her come on board,” he said. “We want to have an individual that actually has a message, and her message is about mental health and a lot of the clients we work with in our facility deal with mental health, and I think Thunder Bay is a music community.
“She brings a lot to the table. She's going to be a very phenomenal speaker.”
Ryder will also be performing some of her music in addition to delivering her keynote address.
Ferguson said they’re hoping to fill the Valhalla’s ballroom and are aiming to raise $30,000.
The money raised will be used to support programs offered by the Salvation Army.
Tickets for the dinner can be purchased at the organization’s office at 545 Cumberland Street. N., by phone at 807-345-6492 or online.
