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Every Turkey Drive pledge counts leading to Dec. 6
The Turkey Drive has been ongoing for nine years and has raised well over $300,000 in past years to support our local Salvation Army and the Cranbrook Food Bank Christmas Hamper Program.
“The Turkey Drive is a fun and engaging way to get the community involved in bringing the spirit of the holidays to those less fortunate,” said Kristin Parsons, Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce Executive Director.
The history of the drive began when one a local community agency made a call out to the community to say it did not have enough resources to fill the hamper programs.
Staff and volunteers with the chamber leaped to action phoning members of the chamber and within four hours had raised the money to ensure that families and residents in need would receive a hamper.
The Turkey Drive continues today due to the need within the community and taking incredible financial pressures off both recipient organizations.
“The Salvation Army and the Cranbrook Food Bank deliver assistance year-round to those in our community. Our Turkey Drive allows them to focus on doing what they do best and deliver help to individuals and families in our community year round,” said Jason Wheeldon, returning Chief Turkey.
The Turkey Drive funds a large portion of the Christmas Hamper programs for both organizations.
The concept is simple. People can phone in a pledge on Thursday, December 6. One turkey pledge equals a $20 donation.
“The Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce Turkey Drive is an integral part of making sure those in need have food hampers during the holiday season. We proudly support this endeavour and the hard work of both the Salvation Army and the Cranbrook Food Bank,” stated Chamber President Wes Rogers.
This year’s target for the Turkey Drive is to raise $53,000 in the one-day event.
How to pledge
Community members can phone the Chamber of Commerce at 250-426-5914 on Thursday December 6 and make their pledge. Payment options vary with credit card, invoicing, personal cheques and a new online feature available through the chamber website.
For those tech savvy supporters – they can donate through the Turkey Drive link.
The chamber has also employed a few celebrity pledgers in the community again this year who have already been out and getting pledges.
These celebrity pledgers have been dubbed the “little pluckers who could” … and are instrumental in obtaining a large portion of the drive’s proceeds.
“It’s an outstanding example of community spirit, bringing businesses and citizens together for a fundraising challenge that brings out some healthy competition amongst volunteers,” Parsons said. “As this is my first Turkey Drive, I am looking forward to experiencing the excitement of the day and cheering on all the celebrity pluckers.”
This year’s Turkey Drive is performed in conjunction with the Cranbrook & District Chamber of Commerce, the Salvation Army, the Cranbrook Food Bank and community sponsors.
Please show your support on December 6 and pledge a turkey for the drive by calling 250-426-5914.
Or drop your pledge off and share your story with our volunteers. Together, as a community we can all take part and ensure everyone enjoys a festive holiday with community spirit shining strong. Every pledge counts.
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