Never underestimate deep connections and an enormous desire to help one’s community.

Thanks to selling more turkeys than the rest of her fellow Little Pluckers during the annual Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce Turkey Drive, including 100 to Save-on-Foods’ Cranbrook raised president, Karin Penner retained her title as Mother Plucker for 2018.

She was again presented the Turkey Mirror Trophy Dec. 12 during the chamber’s annual Christmas luncheon.

It is the fourth straight year that Penner has led the way in raising funds for the Cranbrook Salvation Army and Cranbrook Food Bank, with the drive bringing in $58,000, about $4,000 over last year’s efforts.

Also volunteering as ‘Little Pluckers’: City of Cranbrook Coun. Mike Peabody, chamber president Wes Rogers, Josh Lowden, Chad Jensen, Nicole Ankor, Mike Hardy, Chris Thom, Michael Paugh, Glen Dobie, David Kaiser, Steve Zsillei and drive co-chairs Jason Wheeldon and Warren Bedell.

The packed Heritage Inn and Conference Centre room luncheon crowd was also treated to three scenes from some of the cast members of the upcoming presentation of Chicago at Key City Theatre.

And to bring the heartwarming event back into focus, Salvation Army Major Kirk Green and Linda Green spoke about “others” and the need for everyone in every community to think of others; and if they do, the community as a whole does better.

Throats tightened and tears formed as they cited examples of how finding some time and energy for someone in need can turn seemingly lost lives around.

Lead image: Karin Penner receives Turkey Mirror Trophy Dec. 12 from Turkey Drive co-chair Warren Bedell. Carrie Schafer/e-KNOW photo

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