OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 10/11/13 -- In the spirit of the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz is once again encouraging Canadians to donate generously to their local food banks.
"As Canadians, we should be thankful for the high-quality products produced by our farmers and processors - particularly our turkey farmers during this season," said Minister Ritz. "As many families turn to food banks at this time of year, I encourage everyone to support their local food bank."
This marks the fifth consecutive year that Turkey Farmers of Canada (TFC) has partnered with Food Banks Canada to raise money for rural food banks. This year TFC presented a cheque for $56,500 to Food Banks Canada which has been allocated to rural food banks across Canada to purchase turkeys and turkey products for distribution at Thanksgiving.
The Turkey Farmers of Canada is a national organization in its 40th year serving as the voice of Canada's registered turkey farmers.
"Our ongoing partnership with Food Banks Canada is greatly rewarding to us," said Mark Davies, Chair of TFC, "particularly when we hear that it makes such an impact in the lives of Canadians at Thanksgiving. Our hope is that Canadians will take it upon themselves to donate a few dollars, or a turkey, to their local food bank, and help a neighbour to enjoy the Thanksgiving tradition as well."
Food Banks Canada is the national charitable organization supporting the food bank community across Canada. Their network of over 500 organizations works to find solutions to hunger in Canada.
"It's gratifying to be able to provide resources to food banks for the purchase of turkeys for those in need over the Thanksgiving period," said Katharine Schmidt, Executive Director of Food Banks Canada. "We are thankful to Turkey Farmers of Canada and to all Canadians for generously supporting rural communities."
Contacts:
Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972
Follow us on Twitter: @AAFC_Canada
Jeff English
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Gerry Ritz
613-773-1059
Phil Boyd
Executive Director
Turkey Farmers of Canada
905-812-3140
info@tfc-edc.ca
Marzena Gersho
Director of Communications
Food Banks Canada
1-877-535-0958 ext 228
