CBC P.E.I.'s Feed a Family Campaign begins

CBC P.E.I.'s Feed a Family campaign kicked off Friday in a season that is seeing food banks across the province busier than ever.

"We have seen an increase in food bank usage"said Mike MacDonald of the Upper Room Food Bank.

"I'm assuming we'll be in need of 2,800 to 3,000 turkeys."

In the past food banks across the province have fed between 2,500 and 2,800 families.

The turkey is a cornerstone of the Christmas hamper handed out to families by various food banks across the province. MacDonaldco-ordinates with a number of these organizations to ensure no family goes without over the holidays.

New name, same goal

In the past Islanders have supported theCBC Turkey Drive, and this year the campaign has a new name CBC P.E.I.sFeed a Family Campaign. Don't panic, we still need turkeys;we wantturkeys;we have freezers just waiting for donations.

But we're also realizing more individuals and groups are collecting monetary donations, and helping by donating online.

The financial donations also give food banks tremendous buying power.

"It gives us flexibility, is really the big thing," said MacDonald.

"We can shop around and look for the best deal, and use that money really where we need it."

Kevin "Boomer" Gallant begins his turkey tour on Dec. 5 in O'Leary and wraps up in Stratford on Dec.14.

Coffee for the campaign

The Feed a Family campaign ends on Friday, Dec.16 with Island Morning's annual lobby show. There'll be live music, treats from Receiver Coffee and one final opportunity to makesure no family goes hungry this holiday season.

Taste testing the Island Morning Brew

8 years ago

Duration 1:05

Taste testing the Island Morning Brew

Receiver Coffee on Victoria Row in Charlottetown is also selling an Island Morning brew coffee this holiday season. With each bag of coffee sold $10 is being donated to CBC P.E.I.'s Feed a Family campaign.

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