Talking Over Turkey.  (Screenshot from video via Facebook.)Talking Over Turkey. (Screenshot from video via Facebook.)
Windsor

Talking Over Turkey returns, hundreds of turkeys to be given away

It started six years ago when Mike Diab and his wife wanted to pay it forward in the community.

The couple bought 50 turkeys at their grocery store to give to those in need.

Diab expects to giveaway between 650 and 700 turkeys and food boxes this year.

Those in need can come to the Highbury Canco parking lot at Sherk Street and Georgia Avenue at 11 a.m. this Saturday.  People often start lining up around 8:30 a.m.

Unlike other giveaways, no proof of income is required. The event is first come, first served, and organizers ask no questions.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ziHx-6gxh14&ab_channel=TD

"It just makes us feel like we're doing our duty to the community, making people feel like they matter," said Diab. "That's what made it so successful, is this non-judgemental form of giving back, and no expectations."

Diab knows there's a minority that may take a turkey and food box they really don't need or send more than one family member to collect multiple handouts. He doesn't care.

"Some families have larger families. We don't promote taking two, but if it happens, and we don't know, we wish them well," he explained. "They're not selling it. They're not profiting from it. They're most likely eating it."

He believes the number is minuscule.

"There are hurting people. I know this. I sit on a couple of committees. I see the numbers," he added. "There are people there that need to be there."

During the pandemic, Diab scaled back. The giveaway didn't take place. Instead, St. Vincent de Paul distributed the turkeys.

This year, after the COVID-19 pandemic, he anticipates some new faces in the lineup.

"Many people lost their jobs. COVID did a number, I hear, divorce. All of those events cause financial catastrophe," said Diab. "As you can hear from the food banks, they're reaching out more for help."

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