Defenders of Freedom is a Galesburg based shelter for homeless veterans.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development estimates around 48,000 veterans are sleeping on the street any given night in America, a number that Defenders of Freedom says is too high.
Between their resale shop at the Sandburg Mall and community fundraisers they provide services for American veterans including food, housing, support and more.
Executive Director Bob Spears tells Galesburg’s Morning News on WGIL that it’s not only Galesburg vets the organization looks to assist.
“From Macomb to Moline to Peoria, if there is a need of a Veteran anywhere, we are willing to do whatever it takes to help them out.”
And to help them out costs money which is why they’re holding a a raffle for a six night fishing trip to North Country Lodge at Canyon Lake in McIntosh, Ontario, Canada.
Tickets are $50 or 3 for $100.
Organization member Dave Beversdorf says this is a dream trip for a fisherman.
“The fishing is wonderful,” Beversdorf says. “If you want to fish for big muskie this is the place to go. If you want to fish for northern [pike] or walleyes or small mouth [bass] this is the place to go.”
Mayor John Pritchard will be announcing the winner at 6 p.m. Friday, April 15.
