Premier Pat Binns is working to ensure another successful CBC Turkey Drive. Responding to news that this year's campaign is falling well short of the mark, the Premier pledged an all out effort by Government MLAs.
The Premier has set a five-day goal of 500 turkeys. "Over the course of the next five days, our MLAs will be working hard so that families who need a turkey will have one for Christmas. CBC and local media do a great job with this each year, and I would like to see it succeed once again," said Binns.
Fundraising and canvassing by district associations, under the leadership of local MLAs, will begin immediately. The Premier noted that Islanders are known for their ability to come out strong when it is most needed. Binns wants to set the pace for the last few days of the Turkey Drive.
"We have set quite an objective. One hundred turkeys a day is a fairly significant goal, but I think it's achievable," stated the Premier.
The CBC Turkey Drive is in its fourteenth year. Turkeys collected through the drive are placed in food hampers and are distributed to needy families across the province by food banks and the Salvation Army.
Mitch Cormier of CBC Radio is ecstatic that Premier Binns is making a focussed commitment to this year's Turkey Drive especially in light of its sluggish start. "The Premier has been a faithful supporter of this important initiative each year. We are out of the gate somewhat slower this year, and I think the Premier's pledge will ensure that more Island families will be able to enjoy the Holiday Season that much more. We are thankful that he is taking this on," said Cormier.