Turkey Drive

Rotary Club Turkey Drive raises over $445,000 for families in need

January 7, 2022

We are proud to share that the Kitchener-Conestoga Rotary Club Turkey Drive has fundraised over $445,000 this year, supporting over 5,000 families in our community. This represents approximately 15,000 individuals in Waterloo Region who were able to enjoy a special holiday meal through the generosity of donors and volunteers.

MarshallZehr’s Chief Operations Officer Cecil Hayes has been deeply involved in the Rotary Club’s philanthropic initiatives, including the Turkey Drive initiative. As the Chair of the Turkey Drive last year, Cecil helped oversee the Rotary Club providing turkeys and food vouchers to over 4,600 households in Waterloo Region.

“The Turkey Drive was a huge success again this year. At MarshallZehr, it’s always been important for us to participate and give to the communities we serve. We are firm believers that when you give locally, the positive impact is multiplied”

– Cecil Hayes, COO

Every year, there are families in our local community that need a little help to enjoy a special holiday meal. This past year was no exception: 2021 saw a 30% rise in the number of households requesting help putting a holiday meal on the table.

To help address this need, the Kitchener-Conestoga Rotary Club runs the annual Turkey Drive, supporting the House of Friendship’s Christmas hamper program. The Rotary Club relies on the support of generous donations to help supply turkeys and food to thousands of families in the region. The Turkey Drive celebrated its 19th year in 2021, and over that span has raised over $4 million through the generosity of local businesses and the community. Through their fundraising efforts and the work from a tireless team of 600 volunteers, the Turkey Drive has helped to provide the gift of food to thousands of families in need.

You can help support the Rotary Club Turkey Drive by making a donation here.

To read more about the Rotary Club’s program and the House of Friendship’s Christmas hamper program, please click here.