MINTO – Organizers of a local event that brings hundreds together for fellowship and a Christmas Day meal are among the recipients of the first-ever Wishbone Awards.
Minto residents Dave and Jean Anderson received one of eight 2023 awards for hosting the Andersons’ Community Christmas Dinner since 2016.
Launched by Think Turkey in response to rising food insecurity in Canada, the Wishbone Awards recognize and support “community heroes who help put holiday meals on the table for those in need,” a press release states.
Nominations were open nationally from Nov. 2 to 15, inviting Canadians to share the story of a community hero who embodies the holiday spirit and is dedicated to fighting food insecurity. All recipients are recognized with a Wishbone Award and a $2,500 grant to help fund their 2023 holiday community efforts.
“From hand-delivering hundreds of turkeys to dedicating their holidays to hosting a community dinner, these eight selfless heroes go above and beyond each year to spread holiday cheer in their communities,” said Turkey Farmers of Canada chair Darren Ference
“We were incredibly moved by the Wishbone Award recipients’ stories and are honoured to contribute to their holiday initiatives at a time when Canadians need it most.”
“We hope the stories of these outstanding individuals inspire even more Canadians to pull together to make people’s holiday wishes come true,” said Canadian Poultry and Egg Processors CEO Mark Hubert.
The Andersons’ Community Christmas Dinner is a free event open to everyone looking to spend time with others on Christmas day. Dinners are also available for pickup or delivery for those who can’t attend the in-person event.
Donations of food and other contributions from businesses and individuals help with expenses and some attendees also choose to donate. Any funds beyond the cost of the event are donated to local food banks, service clubs, school breakfast programs and other causes. Last year, the Andersons purchased gift cards from local businesses to distribute to anyone in need.
The event site is rotated between community centres in Clifford, Palmerston and Harriston.
This year’s event will be held at the Harriston-Minto Community Centre, 111 George Street South.
A traditional turkey dinner will be served between 1 and 3pm.
Contact jeanurse1@gmail.com or call or text 519-505-5914 to order a meal for pickup or delivery or to volunteer to help out.
Jean Anderson said the couple is “thrilled” to be recognized for the event.
“We are so happy to be able to bring people together for this event,” she stated.
“The volunteers who give so generously to support our efforts, as well as the folks who come out for a warm meal and fellowship with other community members, all of their support allows us to offer further assistance to the community in the way of donations to groups who help, such as the food banks and breakfast programs at the schools.”
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 across Canada through foods 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.
In addition to the $20,000 in Wishbone grants awarded to recipients, Think Turkey will be donating $10,000 to Food Banks Canada.
For more information on the Wishbone Awards and to read the stories of all eight 2023 recipients, visit ThinkTurkey.ca/Wishbone.
