Tom Jackson once had to literally sing for supper.

The award-winning Canadian performer spent seven years living on the back streets of Winnipeg: an experience that gave him the determination to succeed and the ability to have care and compassion for others.

Now a nationally recognized humanitarian, Jackson was in Regina this morning to announce he'll be returning to host this year's Singing for Supper fundraiser. 

The event - a touring concert series - is in support of local food banks across the country. 

"This is a great Christmas tradition for the Regina Food Bank," said Wayne Hellquist, CEO of the Regina Food Bank. "Tom has been doing this concert for a number of years for us. It's become not only a great fundraiser for us at Christmas time, but a great awareness raiser helping to remind people that in our comunity at Christmas time - there's a tremendous need," Hellquist said. 

Jackson, appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada for his music and humanitarian work, talked about what the event means for Regina's needy. 

"They're not statistics, the people that use food banks... they're human beings," said Jackson. "In our community, it is upon us to embrace those people and let them know that we care," he said.

Jackson also talked about his own struggles in life, and what he has learned from them. 

"That part of my journey taught me a lot," he said. "It taught me who my army was, what my battlefield looked like. The streets were my battlefield and this is my army and I intend to continue... to go back into those trenches and pull all those people out I saw as I went by," said Jackson. 

Jackson broke out into an impromptu performance at this morning's announcement at the Casino Regina - and as host of the Singing for Supper event - will give his voice to help feed the hungry. 

Casino Regina is the presenting sponsor for the fundraiser, and have already started the donating by giving $5,000 to the Regina Food Bank. Bill Hutchinson, the Minister responsible for the Saskatchewan Gaming Authority, said the casino wanted to do more so they also donated over 100 food hampers to the cause. Rider great George Reed was also on hand to lend his support.   

This year's Singing for Supper will be held on December 2nd, at Regina's Western Christian College. Tom Jackson would like people to get involved and buy a ticket to show their support for the Regina Food Bank.