Tough decision to cancel Talking Over Turkey 2020

By Mark Ribble

LEAMINGTON — After much deliberation and tough decision-making, Talking Over Turkey 2020 has been cancelled.

The annual event, spearheaded by Mike and Deanna Diab, has become a welcomed gathering for area residents for four straight years.

Unfortunately, the decision had to be made to cancel the 5th annual Talking Over Turkey, due to COVID-19 restrictions.

“We just couldn’t ask over a thousand people to congregate and take any chances,” said Mike Diab. “Out of an abundance of caution, we had to cancel the event.”

For the Diabs, Talking Over Turkey has become more than just an event — it’s something they’ve done from the goodness of their hearts to help people in need during the holidays.

Last year’s Talking over Turkey attracted over 1,000 people looking to get help with their Christmas meal. This year’s event, like many others, has been cancelled due to COVID restrictions.

Sun photo 2019

About 65 volunteers and 85 donors and sponsors were also involved, as they gave away 640 food boxes last year, which contained a turkey, potatoes, stuffing, canned goods and produce.

“All of their hard work allowed us to bring it to this level,” said Diab, although he and Deanna spend countless hours of their own time behind-the-scenes.

Some of those donors have been hit hard by the pandemic as well. Diab says all is not lost when it comes to helping, however. He is encouraging those who can, to go out and donate individually to a family in need.

“We will be out in the community helping other organizations,” he said. “Every person in Canada has the ability to do something to help.”

The Diabs looked at alternative methods of distribution, such as drive-thru pick up, but in the end, realized that it just wouldn’t be the same.

“A lot of people who benefit from this, can’t afford a car,” he said.

Mike and Deanna Diab at last year’s Talking over Turkey event.

Sun photo 2019

Over 1000 people lined up at the Highbury Canco grading lots on Sherk Street last year, and Diab felt that crowd control would be almost impossible under the current COVID climate.

“People have no idea the magnitude of this project,” said Leamington Mayor Hilda MacDonald. “To Mike and Deanna — thank you for all you have done and we’ll see you next year.” Planning is already underway for a 2021 return of Talking for Turkey and Diab thinks they will know by mid-summer if it’s a go.

“Hopefully, we’ll have a better handle on the COVID numbers by then and can make a decision to move forward,” he said.

With an elderly father and mother-in-law in the high-risk group, he felt that being cautious was the right thing to do.

Meanwhile, the Diabs will get to work helping others make Christmas a little brighter for families who are suffering.

They hope local residents will follow their lead and help out where they can.