The East Peterborough Lions Club is extending its community service by coordinating the collection and distribution of turkeys and hams for hungry families this Christmas.
The Great Turkey Exchange operated from 2009 until 2020 thanks to staff from Peterborough This Week. The program went on hiatus in 2021 after supply chain shortages made it difficult to get donations. Now, the East Peterborough Lions Club is picking up the torch to continue the grassroots program.
Over its history, the program has delivered the main course for 17,500 Christmas dinners in the Peterborough area. Most of the turkeys and hams donated to the program came from individuals and businesses who recognize the sentimental and nutritional value of a traditional Christmas meal.
“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. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to resuscitate the program and fill such a great need in our community.”
The community can help in two ways:
- Donate turkeys and hams (for those who don’t have access to an oven)
- Donate cash to purchase these items
Donations will be welcomed at Kawartha Food Share at 665 Neal Drive or by pickup if you email your address to greatturkeyexchange@gmail.com.
The food items will be distributed to families WHO CANNOT AFFORD a turkey or ham and would have to go without. For families in this situation, please email greatturkeyexchange@gmail.com and ask to get on the donation list.
The East Peterborough Lions have worked hard to help others and embrace their love for fun for more than 45 years in Peterborough. Its global causes are hunger, childhood cancer, diabetes, vision and our environment. Find out more at https://e-clubhouse.org/sites/eastpeterboroughon.
For more details, contact East Peterborough Lions Club member Frank Hewitt at 705-868-8916 or hbrothers10@hotmail.com.
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