The Sue Stultz and Moncton Firefighters Turkey Drive fell short on its goal this year, but they say it was a still a big success.

“We still have over 2000 families that are going to benefit and will have a Christmas meal because of the generosity of the community,” says Moncton Fire Lieutenant Jeremy Quillian.

The goal this year for the annual tradition was 3979 turkeys.

When the drive wrapped up on Saturday, December 2,  2000 turkeys had come in.

Quillian says since then, more donations have been received online, and dropped off at the St. George Boulevard fire station.

“It is a difficult year when it comes to donations. Regardless of your financial income, or your stability right now, I think everybody’s just finding it hard to stretch that $25 in multiple directions. There were a lot of really good initiatives and fundraisers this weekend, so I think people are just finding it challenging to decide which one to give to even though they’re all equally important,” Quillian adds.

He says there was a real sense of community during the four day turkey drive this year.

“We actually saw people who have needed a turkey through the drive in the past, who were now paying it forward by donating because their situations have changed and they no longer need the assistance.”

There’s still an opportunity to give to the 2023 Sue Stultz and Moncton Firefighters Turkey drive, by donating online.