TURKEY TIMEStudents at J.A Laird lineup for the annual Christmas Turkey dinner sponsored by AG Foods.
By Eric Elliott
Pioneer Staff
Smiles were shared as mouths were filled last week as students from Eileen Madson Primary School and J.A Laird were treated to a turkey dinner thanks to the generous donations from AG Valley Foods, and Randy Macstevens and Anna Steezman from Edible Acres who catered the lunch.
The turkey dinner makes its return to the two Invermere schools in the lead up to Christmas after skipping 2015 due to logistical issues, said organizer Rhiannon Tutty.
It was heartbreaking for a lot of people because I, over the years, have children come up to me and say that thats the only turkey dinner that they get this year, she said. Its really important for that sense of community and it also brings members of the community into the school.
Having worked to organize the turkey dinner for a decade now, Ms. Tutty said theyve only recently transitioned from the parents cooking and preparing the food to the volunteer and donation-based lunch that they shared last week. When it was all said and done, AG Valley Foods donated as many as 24 turkeys for the dinner in addition to the vegetables, stuffing, buns and other goods for the students to enjoy.
Its enough food for 500 people, she said on her best estimation of the dollar amount donated. If they hadnt stepped up (to do both schools), we would have had to choose funding from the school which means it takes it out of the activities and the different things we purchase for the school.
