The 2016 Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce Turkey Drive has shattered last year’s record donations, bringing in over $61,000 with more donations expected right up to Christmas.

The donations are split between the Cranbrook Food Bank and the Salvation Army to assist each organization’s Christmas hamper program.

“Every year I am just so impressed with the generosity of Cranbrook residents,” said Turkey Drive chair Jason Wheeldon, aka the Head Turkey. “We set a new record last year at $48,000. To reach $61,000 this year is astonishing.”

“Over 750 individual donors contributed to this year’s drive.  We had a fair number of large corporate donations however the majority was made up of $20 here and $40 there. Each $20 buys one turkey,” explained Wheeldon.

The Turkey Drive culminated with a one day all out push Thursday, Dec. 8 that saw the cxhamber office flooded with celebrity pledgers working the phones to bring in donations.

“We set what we thought was a realistic goal this year of $45,000. Given the dramatic increase in last year’s total, up from $28,000 in 2014. I am so impressed with the final number and the level of support.”

“This year’s record setting donations will go a long way to taking the pressure off the Cranbrook Food Bank and the Salvation Army. The need is year-round.  We are glad to help for December,” said Wheeldon.

The Head Turkey said the success of the Chamber Turkey Drive would not be possible without the tireless efforts of his Little Pluckers.

“These are a group of well known locals from different sectors that work their contact lists with vigor. The collective efforts of the Little Pluckers create our success,” Wheeldon said.

The top fundraiser is recognized as the Chief Turkey.

This year, for the second consecutive year, Karin Penner was presented with the coveted turkey mirror trophy for her efforts in soliciting over $17,500 in donations. “While many Pluckers were bringing in hundreds or thousands of dollars at a go Karin brought in a multitude of $20 donations. She even solicited a donation from England. She was absolutely remarkable,” said Wheeldon.

The Turkey Drive continues on-line right up to December 24. You can donate on the Chamber website. The Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce organizes, processes and facilitates the Turkey Drive ensuring that 100% of the monies donated goes to the two charities.

Lead image: Karin Penner, seated, is surrounded by fellow Little Pluckers and Turkey Drive organizers during today’s Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce luncheon at the Heritage Inn. Ian Cobb/e-KNOW photos

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