MISSISSAUGA, ON, Sept. 27 /CNW/ - At a rural food bank in Rockland, Ontario today, Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz challenged all Canadians to donate a turkey to a local food bank this Thanksgiving. Minister Ritz was on-hand to ceremoniously donate a turkey to the Rockland Help Centre, as part of the announcement of a continued partnership between Turkey Farmers of Canada (TFC) and Food Banks Canada. Turkey Farmers of Canada will again assist thousands of Canadian families in need this year during the Thanksgiving period. In order to help as many families as possible continue to enjoy a family tradition even during difficult times, TFC will be funding turkey purchases for member food banks, particularly those hardest hit in rural Canada.
"We're pleased to continue our partnership with Food Banks Canada," said TFC Chair, Mark Davies, "and appreciate the opportunity to supply turkeys to those assisted by rural food banks across Canada and hope that Canadians will donate a turkey or turkey product to their own local food bank to help others in their own communities". TFC's contribution will be augmented by several Members of their organization adding to the overall donation.
"Turkey meat is in high demand at this time of year", Katharine Schmidt, Executive Director of Food Banks Canada, stressed "and there's always need for excellent sources of protein at all of our food banks". Schmidt went on to say, "our member food banks are delighted with this donation, which will give many Canadian families, in over fifty communities, a chance to truly celebrate Thanksgiving".
In addition to TFC's Thanksgiving donation, a number of provincial turkey boards make contributions to food banks in their regions throughout the year. By participating in local food drives, donating turkeys during the holiday seasons, and collaborating on fund raising events, Canada's turkey industry provides invaluable support to Canadians from coast to coast.
Close to 800,000 Canadians - including families, seniors and students - turn to food banks in an average month and of these, 37% are children. Rural food banks make up nearly half of food banks in the country. TFC has represented Canada's registered turkey farmers for over 36 years, encouraging cooperation throughout the Canadian turkey industry and acting as the voice for Canadian turkey farmers both domestically and internationally.
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For further information:
Food Banks Canada
Marzena Gersho 647-242-5919
email:[email protected]
Turkey Farmers of Canada
Phil Boyd 905-812-3140
email: [email protected]
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