"The Sabres organization feels it is our responsibility to the community of Buffalo to help try and give every family a chance to enjoy a warm Thanksgiving dinner," said Sabres President Russ Brandon. "We can't thank our fans enough for their generous donations to Turkeys for Tickets throughout the years. We look forward to seeing our fans out again this year supporting their community."
The annual Thanksgiving turkey drive returns this season after collecting more than 2,000 turkeys last year.
"We are thrilled to be partnering with the Buffalo Sabres on Turkeys for Tickets," said Michele Mehaffy, Buffalo Consumer Affairs Manager for Wegmans. "For many in Western New York, feeding their families is a daily struggle. This helps fill a need, and brings families together to share a meal on Thanksgiving."
For every 20-pound turkey dropped off, or the equivalent of a 20-pound turkey, the Sabres will give the donor two tickets to an upcoming game. Tickets (maximum of four per person) will be distributed immediately at the drop-off sites.
"We are so grateful for the support of the Buffalo Sabres, Wegmans and the WNY community as we all work together to make sure that no one goes hungry this holiday season," said Tara Ellis, President and CEO of the Food Bank of WNY. "Thousands of our neighbors in need are assisted in the three short hours of this event; it is a truly beautiful thing to see."
All of the donated turkeys will directly benefit the Buffalo City Mission and the Food Bank of WNY.
"On Thanksgiving morning through the Turkey Express, the Buffalo City Mission preps, packages and delivers a hot Thanksgiving meal to 6,000 housebound, poor and hungry individuals and families through the Western New York area," said Stuart Harper, CEO and Executive Director of the Buffalo City Mission. "We are thankful to the Buffalo Sabres for once again providing turkeys to help make this endeavor possible for another year."
The Food Bank of WNY provides food to 330 member agencies such as food pantries, soup
kitchens, shelters and group homes in Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie and Niagara counties. Monthly, through these agencies, it serves approximately 106,000 individuals, including 39,000 families, nearly 37,000 children and over 11,000 seniors.
