The Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce’s Turkey Drive has raised $53,000 for families in need.
The funds will be split between the local Food Bank and the Salvation Army to fill over 850 Christmas hampers needed in the Key City.
Executive Director David Hull says he’s always impressed by how the community comes together to support the less fortunate.
“Its a real testament to Cranbrook. Its a testament to the hard work of Jason Wheeldon, he lines up his little pluckers and they work their contact lists and get people to come out and support,” Hull says. “Certainly Cranbrook is a caring community and it really shows on Turkey Drive day.”
Hull says their efforts make the holidays easier for many families in the Key City.
“There are people that maybe have to choose between buying a gift for their kids or having a dinner on their table ,” Hull says. “Most of us live such nice comfortable lives that its just terrible some people don’t have as much and I think its really important and it hopefully makes a difference to the folks we can help out.”
Over 600 people made a donation this year.
This year’s top supporter was former Chamber Manager Karin Penner, raising $17,200.
The one day fundraiser raised $61,000 last year and $48,000 in 2015.
The Turkey Drive has topped $330,000 since beginning eight years ago.
– Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, David Hull
