Winnipeggers are joining the fight for charity

An upcoming event in Winnipeg will deal a serious blow to hunger and homelessness.

It's called “Fight for Charity” and it allows a group of amateur boxers to step into the ring in front of a live audience to raise money for the Siloam Mission.

This year's event will feature 24 Manitobans participating in three months of training to prepare for the big day.

“These local Manitobans are taking three months out of their everyday lives to train for this event,” said Daniel Strang, executive director of the event.

“The goal is to raise money for truly deserving Manitoba charities.”

“Fight for Charity” participants can watch 12 boxing matches, participate in casino games and listen to live music.

Strang said 1,300 people will attend the event, which has more than 70 corporate sponsors.

“The fights themselves always bring out a lot of family and friends and it's a great atmosphere for that,” he said.

“Even if it's boxing, everyone supports everyone. It's a great night.”

So far, the Warriors have raised just under $60,000 for Mission Siloam. The goal is to collect 100 thousand dollars.

“This will help us begin to develop more social housing with appropriate support,” said Tessa Blakey Whitecloud, CEO of Siloam Mission.

“We already have 138 units, but we know we need more. This will help us start that process to get there.”

“Fight for Charity” will be held on April 27 at the RBC Convention Center. More information about the event, including how to support it, can be found online.

– With files from CTV's Rachel Lagasse.