An annual turkey tradition will officially get underway next week.

The Sue Stultz and Moncton Firefighters Association Turkey Drive will be held November 27 through 30th.

The goal is 3206 turkeys this year.

“It’s down a little bit from last year’s turkey goal, but we’re focusing a lot this year on the Greater Moncton area. So that’s why the turkey goal is down, but it’s still fairly high,” says Moncton Fire Lieutenant Jeremy Quillian.

This year, they’ll collect turkeys, turkey loaves, hams or online monetary donations.

“Turkey loaves were a really big hit last year, specifically with the Peter McKee Centre, and that’s kind of where it originated from,” Quillian adds.

To decide on the number of turkeys needed each year, the Firefighters Association first meets with Food Depot Alimentaire, and they’re provided with a list of the food banks and soup kitchens. They find out how many turkeys each location requires, and then the number is tallied up.

“We set a goal every year, and we hope that we reach the goal, but one turkey is better than no turkey at all that we receive. Without the community support, we wouldn’t be able to have this event every year, so regardless of what we get this year, we are grateful for the community support,” Quillian adds.

Sue Stultz, created the Turkey Drive when she owned the Irving Mainway convenience store on St. George Boulevard.  Her goal each year was to ensure everyone in Moncton and Southeast New Brunswick had a turkey on their tables at Christmas time.

Stultz passed away in April this year at the age of 71, and that makes this year’s campaign even more special.

“I think that when we all heard the sad news of Sue’s passing in April, I think that touched a lot of people in the Greater Moncton area. Sue was a staple of our community. She founded this event, so to honour the legacy that she has created, we are keeping the name, and that name will remain as long as it’s with us.”

Donations can be dropped off down back at 800 St. George Boulevard, right across from Centennial Park.

Turkey Central will be open from 10 am to 7 pm on November 27, 28 and 29, and from 10 am to 4 pm on November 30th.

“There will be lots of signage and pylons, and we’ll have volunteers on site to help direct people. If people can’t get down the hill for whatever reason, they can ring the bell upstairs and the crew that’s on duty will gladly take the turkey and bring it down,” Quillian says.