The East Peterborough Lions Club is seeking donations of turkeys and hams this holiday season to distribute to families who might otherwise go without a traditional Christmas dinner.
The Great Turkey Exchange was first organized in 2009 by Lois Tuffin through Peterborough This Week when she was the editor-in-chief. The program ran for 12 years and distributed 2,700 turkeys and hams until it went on hiatus in 2021, after pandemic-related supply chain shortages made it difficult to get donations.
At Tuffin’s request, the East Peterborough Lions Club agreed to take over the program in 2022 and is continuing it this year.
“Our club has helped out by delivering turkeys to groups and we saw how grateful people are to have strangers help feed their families,” says Frank Hewitt, district governor of District A-3 of Lions Cubs International, which covers central Ontario. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to resuscitate the program and fill such a great need in our community.”
Over its history, the Great Turkey Exchange has delivered the main course for 17,500 Christmas dinners in the Peterborough area, with most of the donated turkeys and hams coming from individuals and businesses.
The East Peterborough Lions Club is encouraging the community to participate again this year, either by purchasing and donating turkeys and hams or by donating cash so they can be purchased.
Donations can be dropped off at the Kawartha Food Share warehouse at 665 Neal Drive in Peterborough.
If you would like your donation to be picked up, email greatturkeyexchange@gmail.com with your address.
The turkeys and hams will be distributed to families who cannot afford a turkey or ham for Christmas. Families in this situation can email greatturkeyexchange@gmail.com and ask to be placed on the donation list.
