With nearly 20 per cent of Canadians using a food bank, a national organization is looking to honour residents who support food-insecure citizens through cooked meals or volunteer activities during Christmas.
Presented by the Turkey Farmers of Canada through its Think Turkey campaign, the inaugural Wishbone Awards recognize the “unsung community heroes” who embody the true Christmas spirit and help wishes come true for Canadians in need. In particular, the awards will honour people who put holiday meals on the table for those who have trouble affording food.
The organization pointed out that the cost of food, rent, gas and other essentials is at a 30-year high, with families across Canada struggling to make ends meet. Moreover, food banks are stretched to their limits, just as families need them more than ever.
So, from Nov. 2 to Nov. 15, the organization is inviting people to visit thinkturkey.ca/wishbone to nominate and share the story of a hero in their community.
On Tuesday, Dec. 5, Think Turkey will recognize eight people with a Wishbone Award. Recipients will also receive a $2,500 grant to help fund their Christmas community efforts and have their stories shared nationally to inspire others to give back.
“Whether it’s donating turkeys, cooking in a community kitchen, or donating time at a local food bank, there are kind people, all over the country, who step up and support their communities each holiday season,” said Darren Ference, chair of the Turkey Farmers of Canada.
“The Wishbone Awards will honour eight individuals who embody the holiday spirit and consistently serve their communities during the holiday season.”
Chuck Hughes, a Canadian chef, TV personality and ambassador of the Wishbone Awards, said initiatives that help eliminate food insecurity are close to his heart.
“I’m proud to partner with Think Turkey for the Wishbone Awards to help spotlight community heroes that truly make the holidays brighter for people in need,” he added.
Mark Hubert, president and CEO of the Canadian Poultry and Egg Processors, encouraged Canadians to nominate citizens who contribute to their communities.
“We hope the Wishbone Awards will get Canadians into the holiday spirit and remind them that if we all pull together, more holiday wishes can come true,” he added.
The Wishbone Awards are part of The Wishbone Project, a charitable initiative launched in 2020 by Canada’s turkey farmers and processors to give back to communities and help those in need at the local, provincial and national levels through food and funds. Since its launch, The Wishbone Project has raised over $240,000, empowering local non-profits, charities, and community heroes to combat food insecurity.
For more information or to nominate a local Christmas hero, visit ThinkTurkey.ca/Wishbone by Wednesday, Nov. 15, by 11:59 p.m. EST.
