Talking Over Turkey returns

By Mark Ribble

After two years of pivoting due to COVID restrictions, the popular Talking Over Turkey initiative will return to the Highbury Canco tomato lot on Sherk Street in Leamington this December.

Organizer Mike Diab says he’s thrilled to be back.

“The last two years have been difficult and we did what we could do, but we’re looking forward to going forward again,” he said.

Mike and his wife Deanna have been the backbone of the popular turkey and trimmings giveaway for a number of years, giving away 600 turkeys and trimmings at the 2019 event alone.

The Diabs credit the countless donors, sponsors and volunteers with keeping it going and they are always looking for more of each.

“We’ve been getting good donations in,” he said. “We’ve got new donors, old donors, good feedback.”

They have fundraisers planned to help cover the cost of such an undertaking and Mike is happy to help anyone who needs it.

“People are struggling,” he said. “We see it first-hand.”

Currently, they are raising funds through Talking Over Turkey donation boxes located inside Lakeside Bakery and Deli, Lavender Spa and at Dr. Olivito’s Dentistry office in Kingsville.

The date has not been set due to logistics of pinning down the turkey delivery, but Diab says it will be in December.

If you’d like to help out, they are accepting e-transfers to their email at tot@bell.net. You can also email that address for more information.

The Diabs would be happy to hear from you.