MOOSE JAW — This fall, Think Turkey is introducing the Join Thanksgiving Fund, a new initiative to bring the joy of Canadian Thanksgiving to more post-secondary students.
Thanksgiving weekend is typically a happy break where students return home for a turkey dinner with family and friends. For those far away from home, it can be a lonely long weekend. The Join Thanksgiving Fund was created to foster a greater sense of community on campuses across Canada and welcome more people to the Thanksgiving tradition.
Until Sept. 23, post-secondary student groups and faculty are invited to visit ThinkTurkey.ca/JoinThanksgiving to apply to receive one of eight grants worth $2,500 each towards their on-campus celebrations.
The fund will distribute a total of $20,000.
“Thanksgiving is one of my favourite holidays because it’s just a big turkey dinner, where everyone is welcome to pull up a chair,” said Darren Ference, chairman of the Turkey Farmers of Canada. “Through the Join Thanksgiving Fund, we hope Thanksgiving can become a moment to bring more students together and spark new friendships over a delicious meal.”
“As a recent graduate, this initiative is close to my heart,” said Liam Lewis, a Gen Z chef and Join Thanksgiving ambassador. “If you don’t have a place to go for Thanksgiving and it’s your first year away from home, it can be tough.
“During my post-secondary years, I often cooked a roast turkey dinner for friends who couldn’t go home for the holidays, and it’s still one of my favourite memories from school.”
On Oct. 1, eight student groups will be recognized and receive a $2,500 grant to help fund their on-campus Thanksgiving celebrations.
“A simple tradition like Thanksgiving has the power to bring people together and create lasting memories — that’s the spirit behind Join Thanksgiving,” said Mark Hubert, president/CEO of the Canadian Poultry and Egg Processors. “We hope these funds will bring students together and create friendships and traditions that will serve them for life.”
To learn more and apply for the Join Thanksgiving Fund, visit ThinkTurkey.ca/JoinThanksgiving.
