Despite a slow start, the Second Harvest Turkey Drive proved popular amongst Loblaw shoppers and other holiday heroes. Stepping up this week to ensure that the goal of collecting 9,000 turkeys was met, Canadians showed off their generosity and revealed how much they care about their neighbours in need.

"Last week, we were very concerned that we wouldn't have enough turkeys to fill all the orders from our community agencies," says Jo-Anne Sobie, Executive Director of Second Harvest. "Once the community heard that we were short turkeys, our generous supporters stepped up to fill the gap. We are extremely grateful that we can fill the requests from our community agencies and that they are able to ensure the individuals and families they serve can enjoy a healthy, balanced holiday meal."

Second Harvest would like to thank their holiday heroes who helped to make sure that the Turkey Drive goal was met. Loblaw Companies Limited donated 200 turkeys to the campaign and Maple Leaf Foods donated 680 turkeys. McCormick Canada gave a generous $5,000 donation to help with the delivery of the turkeys. The Pottruff Family Foundation, after hearing the goal might not be reached, donated 788 turkeys to ensure 9,000 turkeys were collected.

Donated turkeys will be delivered to Second Harvest recipient community agencies across the GTA. Community agencies will then distribute or prepare the turkeys for families and individuals who otherwise can't afford a holiday dinner. These turkeys will feed over 100,000 hungry people this holiday season.

Donations are still needed to help with the delivery of the turkeys and for Second Harvest's food rescue operations throughout December. Visit secondharvest.ca or call 416.408.2594 to make a donation.

Edited by: Kristin Craik