‘Operation Turkey’ brought smiles and full carts this weekend as local healthcare professionals picked up their complimentary turkey thanks to SEIU
After a year of looking out for everyone else, local healthcare workers were reminded they’re cared for too, picking up free turkeys this weekend in a heartfelt holiday gesture.
SEIU Healthcare, the union representing more than 70,000 frontline healthcare workers in Ontario, held its annual Turkey Giveaway for members at grocery store locations across the province this weekend.
The union planned to hand out 25,000 turkeys at more than 40 locations across the province, including the Zehrs in Orillia.
“We know it’s a tough time of year so it’s a give back that we wanted to share with our members to have the opportunity to sign up to receive a turkey on behalf of SEIU,” said Crystal Hutter, a personal support worker and an executive board member for SEIU Region Three, which represents approximately 600 local health care workers.
“We are calling it internally ‘Operation Turkey.’ It’s been a very heavy logistical piece, but great work internally to really roll out this amazing initiative for our members.”
Denise Atkins and her son Mavrick Ineson were among those who stopped by Zehrs on Saturday afternoon to grab their turkey.
“It’s nice and thoughtful. It means sharing with our family,” said Atkins, who has worked at Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre in Barrie for about 18 years.
Hutter emphasized the importance of supporting those who dedicate their lives to helping others.
“A lot of our members are struggling, not just at this time of year, but all year. They are relying on food banks and other assistance programs that they really shouldn’t be,” she said.
“Our president was really adamant that we rolled out this program. Our members are seeing the impact and are struggling to put food on the table. This Christmas, we wanted to ensure that’s not an issue. We want all of our members to have a nice, hot meal at Christmas time.”