Turkey challenge aims to raise $32K to feed local families

Steinbach non-profits are raising $32,000 to provide turkeys or chickens to local families for Christmas. The project is called the Turkey Challenge and is a collaboration between the Steinbach Community Foundation (SCF) and South East Helping Hands through its Steinbach Community Christmas project.

“We just made the announcement last week, but I know we have raised a few thousand dollars. People are starting to recognize the need and what we’re doing,” SCF chair Mary Jane Hiebert said.

Hiebert said people can donate directly to SCF through their Zeffy online donation page or by scanning a QR code that is on the sign placed outside South East Helping Hands, their website and social media handles.

Roger Blatz, food coordinator at the Community Christmas, said the turkeys or chickens are part of a Christmas hamper and the plan is to feed 1,500 families.

“Steinbach Community Foundation reached out to us after we had applied for a grant that we were denied,” he said. “They wanted to still get involved, if they could raise money through the community.”

Hiebert said that despite not having the funds for a grant, the foundation wanted to contribute because of the positive impact.

“While $32,000 is not a small amount, we just felt we could get behind this and encourage people to give towards the Turkey Challenge so everybody has food at the table,” she said.