South Deltans have an opportunity to get a free turkey while also helping out those in need.
From 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 8, residents are invited to bring donations for the Deltassist Toy Depot and Christmas hamper program to The Wexford seniors’ community and in exchange they’ll take home a 12- to 15-pound frozen turkey.
Without ever leaving their vehicles, participants will enjoy hot chocolate, games and live music by the Caminando Carollers and Angelus Singers. Santa Claus will stop by their car for a visit and an elf will even deliver warm mini donuts.
Once they arrive at the front door of The Wexford, a team member will accept their donation of an unwrapped toy, new children’s pajamas or cash through their vehicle window in exchange for a turkey, complete with cooking instructions and bonus treats.
The Wexford will have 500 turkeys to give out and hopes to raise $15,000 in toys, pajamas and cash.
For more than 30 years Deltassist has worked with community partners to make Christmas special for families in need. Last year 700 families were assisted through the social services agency’s holiday programs.
The Wexford general manager Matthew Jackson said they’re hoping the community will really get behind the new fundraising event.
“We wanted to give something back to the community in some kind of festive way,” said Jackson. “This was one of the ideas that we floated around. When we were in contact with Deltassist, we understand that there was a need for pajamas and kids’ toys, so we came up with an event where people could come through our property in a fast manner, so we’re going to give this a try and hopefully get a ton of donations and toys to help out Deltassist.”
Jackson said Bria is purchasing all of the turkeys through one of its suppliers.
“Century Group and Bria are really big about giving back,” he said. “We had our Myrtle’s Hot Dog Day in the summer and that raised $4,000 to the Alzheimer’s Society. It’s going to be three hours of chaos, but we’re hoping for a cool event.”
The Wexford is at 1737-56th St. in Tsawwassen. Access to the event is from the 18th Avenue entrance. Delta police and volunteers will be on site to direct traffic through the neighbourhood.
