Medicine Hat pub and Root Cellar partner to provide turkey meals to those in need at Christmas

This year helping make a record amount of meals for those in need to enjoy over Christmas.

“This is the most we’ve ever done. The turkeys were a lot larger this year, so we were able to make a lot more meals,” Beach said.

“I’m pretty excited that we hit the 500 mark, and that’s really going to feed a lot of people at Christmas time.”

The idea to be able to provide turkey meals without giving out individual turkeys is something that has allowed this to happen, avoiding food going to waste, through better portioning.

Beach said he was approached by the local food bank a number of years ago.

“They had all these large turkeys that they possibly cannot give to any family because, they’re way too big. They wouldn’t have the oven space or even the know-how on how to prepare those big 30-pound turkeys,” Beach said.

“That 30-pound turkey, I can get at least 15 to 20 meals out. Why don’t we try it and see what we can do.”

Melissa Mullis, executive director of the Root Cellar, said the individual turkey meals is something Rossco’s Pub also helps with at Easter and Thanksgiving.

“It’s such a big deal that Ross does this every year for the Root Cellar,” Mullis said.

“Our families get so excited and people are just so grateful. You know if you are a single person to make a whole turkey is a lot,” she added.

“They get a prebaked meal that tastes great and they can celebrate Christmas in a different way.”

A number of volunteers helped with the preparation at Rosscos, including Ryan Kingsley, who has assisted each year.

His task this time, finishing off the packaging of the food.

He’s happy to offer the help.

“When a friend asks for help you come out, and it supports the community,” Kingsley said.

“Obviously the food bank needs support at this time of the year. It just seems like a great fit.”

The preparation of the 30 turkeys started on Friday morning, each one cooked for four hours, with it taking a few days to complete, with all the fixing that go with it.

Beach said he’s happy to help people that may not otherwise have a traditional Christmas meal.

“I’m very passionate about Christmas,” Beach said.

“I’m very passionate growing up in a big family where Christmas was all about food,” he said.

“This is just my way of giving back that every person that can’t have one can at least have a turkey meal.”

Those accessing the Root Cellar between now and Christmas will has access to the turkey meals, which will be stored in the freezer at the Root Cellar.

Bringing the gift of giving from those helping at Rosscos Pub to those in need over Christmas.

by Jesse Gill

Medicine Hat pub and Root Cellar partner to provide turkey meals to those in need at Christmas

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