"The holidays are a time to give back to others, and the return of the Turkeys for Tickets program allows us to do just that," said Kevyn Adams, Buffalo Sabres senior vice president of business administration. "The generosity and support from Sabres fans allows our organization to help families in need around the Western New York community to have a happier Thanksgiving."
The annual Thanksgiving turkey drive returns this season after collecting more than 4,000 turkeys last year.
"We are grateful to the Buffalo Sabres, Wegmans, Entercom Buffalo and the Western New York community for helping to feed our neighbors in need. Through the support of this food drive, we are able to ensure thousands of hungry local families can sit down to enjoy a nourishing Thanksgiving meal," said Tara A. Ellis, president and CEO of FeedMore WNY, the new nonprofit organization formed by the alliance of the Food Bank of WNY and Meals on Wheels for WNY.
For every 20-pound turkey dropped off, or the equivalent of a 20-pound turkey, the Sabres will give the donor one voucher, good for two tickets to an upcoming Sabres home game. Vouchers will be distributed immediately by volunteers from Twin City Ambulance at the drop-off sites.
A maximum of one voucher, which is good for two tickets, will be allotted per person.
Fans can redeem their vouchers for select Sabres home games online using a promo code. Participants will have the option to purchase additional seats at the time of redemption for $25.
The following games will have tickets available to be redeemed:
"We know this is a time of year when many families struggle to put food on the table," said Michele Mehaffy, Wegmans manager of Buffalo consumer affairs. "Thanks to the Buffalo Sabres and their fans, this program helps fill a need, and allows families to come together to share a Thanksgiving meal."
All of the donated turkeys will directly benefit the Buffalo City Mission and FeedMore WNY.
"The Buffalo City Mission is honored to once again work with the Buffalo Sabres to help feed our neighbors in need," said Aubrey Calhoun, associate executive director of the Buffalo City Mission. "This year our annual Turkey Drive is collecting 2,000 turkeys for Thanksgiving Day, where our staff and volunteers will deliver more than 5,000 hot meals to the poor and homeless throughout Western New York. We are at our best when the community comes together, and we are proud to partner with such inspiring organizations to help lift up lives and address this critical need."
Buffalo Sabres Foundation Mission Statement
To identify and support local organizations which share our core objectives: serving children and military personnel, caring for the sick, assisting physically and mentally challenged athletes, and supporting youth hockey initiatives. By utilizing financial resources and community influence, the Buffalo Sabres Foundation assists these organizations and their beneficiaries in realizing their highest potential and succeeding in their endeavors.
FeedMore WNY offers dignity, hope and a brighter future by providing nutritious food, friendship and skills training to its Western New York neighbors in need. Through its Food Bank Distribution Center and partner hunger-relief agencies, as well as its Meals on Wheels and other targeted feeding programs, FeedMore WNY alleviates hunger and assists community members of all ages throughout Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie and Niagara counties. More information can be found at www.feedmorewny.org.
The Buffalo City Mission, founded in 1917, is a nonprofit organization that provides preventative, emergency and transitional programs to thousands of people who are homeless and impoverished. The Mission includes a Women and Children's Shelter (Cornerstone Manor); the Men's Community Center; and Dick Road thrift store to serve the Western New York community. For more information, please visit www.buffalocitymission.org or call (716) 854-8181.
