Released on December 15, 2009
Casinos Regina and Moose Jaw held Operation Turkey Drop today. The event was held to raise awareness about the need Food Banks in Regina and Moose Jaw experience around the holidays, and Casinos Regina and Moose Jaw stepped up to donate $30,000 worth of turkeys to the cause.
"Sask Gaming is a responsible corporate citizen and serves the needs of the community," Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation Bill Hutchinson said. "At the heart of Casino Regina and Casino Moose Jaw are employees who are giving and compassionate people. The corporation's work in the community reflects the generous spirit of the employees. We're simply thrilled to raise awareness for the Regina and Moose Jaw Food Banks during this time of year and to contribute 1,300 turkeys to families in need this Christmas."
Regina Food Bank CEO Wayne Hellquist is pleased with the donation.
"With more people accessing the services of the Food Bank, the need for food is increasing for us," Hellquist said. "Around the holidays, we'll have close to 2,000 families turning to the Food Bank to help them have a Christmas meal. The donation from Casinos Regina and Moose Jaw will help us feed close to 5,000 people this holiday season."
Moose Jaw Food Bank board member Dale Jackman was also on hand at today's announcement.
"We're thrilled with the donation, and we hope to see other organizations in Moose Jaw come forward with donations this Christmas," Jackman said. "We have about 300 families that turn to us this time of year, so this donation will ensure that every family coming to the Food Bank will get a turkey for the holidays."
Hutchinson challenges others in the community to get involved to help families in need.
"I hope this donation helps as many families as possible have a Merry Christmas, and I hope it raises awareness for the Food Banks and encourages others in the community to give during this time of year," Hutchinson said.
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For more information, contact:
Robin Campese
Sask Gaming
Regina
Phone: 306-536-0801
Email: robin.campese@saskgaming.com
Wayne Hellquist
Regina Food Bank
Regina
Phone: 306-791-6533 ex222