Post-secondary students are getting some assistance with holiday celebrations this fall, thanks to an item traditionally on the menu.
Think Turkey has launched the Join Thanksgiving fund, an initiative offering $20,000 in grants to help post-secondary students celebrate Thanksgiving this October.
Between Sept 12-23, secondary students and faculty from across Canada can apply for one of eight $2,500 grants to be awarded for their on-campus Thanksgiving celebrations.
"Thanksgiving weekend is typically a happy break where students return home for a turkey dinner with family and friends," notes the release announcing the grant. "For those far away from home, it can be a lonely long weekend. The Join Thanksgiving Fund was created to foster a greater sense of community on campuses across Canada and welcome more people to the Thanksgiving tradition. "
Think Turkey is a collaboration between the Turkey Farmers of Canada, Canadian Poultry and Egg Processors, and the Turkey Primary Processing Sector and launched in 2019 as a way to boost turkey consumption.
"Thanksgiving is one of my favourite holidays because it's just a big turkey dinner, where everyone is welcome to pull up a chair," said Darren Ference, Chair, Turkey Farmers of Canada. "Through the Join Thanksgiving fund, we hope Thanksgiving can become a moment to bring more students together and spark new friendships over a delicious meal."
Students are appreciative for this opportunity.
"As a recent graduate, this initiative is close to my heart," said Liam Lewis, Gen Z Chef and Join Thanksgiving Ambassador. "If you don't have a place to go for Thanksgiving and it's your first year away from home, it can be tough. During my post-secondary years, I often cooked a roast turkey dinner for friends who couldn't go home for the holidays and it's still one of my favourite memories from school."
Think Turkey works through a multi-part campaign including advertising, digital, retail, public relations, influencers paid social media and more, focusing on letting meal planners know the benefits of turkey.
"A simple tradition like Thanksgiving has the power to bring people together and create lasting memories – that's the spirit behind Join Thanksgiving," said Mark Hubert, President and CEO, Canadian Poultry and Egg Processors. "We hope these funds will bring students together and create friendships and traditions that will serve them for life."
