East York’s Wendy Dobson, known as the ‘Turkey Lady’, shows off some of the turkeys she purchased from Carnicero’s in St. Lawrence Market for distribution to local shelters. - Photo/COURTESY
East York’s Wendy Dobson, known as the ‘Turkey Lady’, shows off some of the turkeys she purchased from Carnicero’s in St. Lawrence Market for distribution to local shelters. - Photo/COURTESY
Long-time East York resident Wendy Dobson is affectionately known to many in the community as "The Turkey Lady".
For more than 25 years, Dobson, a long-time east-ender who has lived near Pape and Mortimer avenues since 1999, has coordinated an annual Christmas turkey drive.
This year, Dobson and her team have succeeded in raising enough funds to purchase more than 100 10-pound turkeys for less fortunate families and individuals from The Red Door Family Shelter, the Secord Community Centre and The Massey Centre for Women.
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The 416 Community Support Centre for Women in Cabbagetown will also be receiving three 30-pound turkeys, which will be prepared with all the fixings for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day meals for clients.
Years ago, Dobson, a realtor by trade, purchased two turkeys for The 416.
The following year, she bought four for the same organization and the rest is history.
"I thought if I can bring four why can’t I bring more and that’s where it all started," Dobson said during a recent interview.
She now collects and distributes between 100 and 125 turkeys each year.
"It’s just my little way of giving back to the community," said Dobson, who meets with the organizations each fall to discuss how many turkeys they need.
"It’s just something I do every year and it just makes me feel good."
Dobson said her annual endeavour wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of her friends, family members, clients and colleagues.
For several years, she purchased turkeys from her long-time supplier, Sunnybrook Meats at Queen Street East and Broadview Avenue.
Two years ago, Dobson was forced to find a new supplier after the owner retired. She now purchases the turkeys for her drive for roughly the same price from Brad Noonan at Carnicero’s Prime Meats and Fine Foods at the St. Lawrence Market.
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