A List Sunglasses   +  Public Awareness

Blackjet and Good Shepherd are Encouraging People To Skip Lunch This Thanksgiving in Canada

This Thanksgiving Give Thanks by Helping to Feed Toronto's Homeless

Thanksgiving is a time when most of us think of gathering with family and friends to celebrate, give thanks and fill our bellies with food. Unfortunately, many homeless people in Toronto go hungry, not just on Thanksgiving, but every day.

Good Shepherd Ministries, a charity that promotes human dignity, is asking people to really give thanks this Thanksgiving by participating in the #FastTurkey Challenge. This new social media-driven fundraising initiative, created in partnership with Toronto-based creative agency Blackjet Inc., asks people to forgo, just one lunch this Thanksgiving so Good Shepherd can continue to provide Toronto’s homeless with meals, clean clothes and a safe bed for the night.

Here’s how it works: On Friday, October 7th (the Friday of Thanksgiving weekend), people are asked to fast by skipping lunch and then to donate the money they would have spent on that meal to Good Shepherd to help the homeless. They’re then encouraged to challenge two friends to do the same while sharing their support for the challenge on social media. It’s that easy. For more information on how to participate, raise awareness and generate funds to feed Toronto’s homeless, you can visit FastTurkey.ca.

"Fundraising initiatives in the not-for-profit space are highly competitive, and capturing the city's attention can be difficult,” says Adrienne Urquhart, Director, Fundraising & Public Relations Good Shepherd Ministries. “We're excited to launch this social media-based fundraiser and build awareness about Good Shepherd amongst younger audiences by appealing to their goodwill through digital touchpoint. We’re very optimistic that a digital presence will help propel this year's #FastTurkey challenge."

All donations to Good Shepherd make a massive difference in the lives of homeless individuals who need support. All funds assist in enabling Good Shepherd to provide services such as 1300 meals each day, 91 shelter beds each night, clothing, medical services, addictions counselling and housing.

In the last two years, Good Shepherd has witnessed a 50% increase in the numbers of meals and snacks served each day, making it the largest meal program in the City of Toronto. By participating in the #FastTurkey Challenge, people can help Good Shepherd do even more to help the homeless.

Creative Credits:
Ad Agency: Blackjet, Toronto, Canada