Over the past three years, Astra Group employees have been boxing up entire Christmas turkey dinners with all of the fixings—and this year that demand has grown.
From an initial 80 familes, to 150 last year, to 200 this year, the goal is to give something to families in need that gives them one less thing to worry about during the holiday season.
This year, the group is donating 100 of those meals to families served by Made by Momma, and 100 to those served by the Ukrainians of Calgary Association
“At this time of year, a lot of families face a lot of tough decisions. They may have to choose between having dinner, doing presents, or they may not have that ability at all, and that’s really who we’re here to help,” said Logan Smith, Chief Marketing Officer with Astra Group and Peoplefirst Developments.
The meals this year include a turkey dinner, stuffing, carrots, potatoes, Brussels sprouts, gravy, buns, a pumpkin pie, and two trays to cook the meal on.
Also, as is tradition, a copy of the board game Monopoly.
“As a child, playing Monopoly with my family at Christmas was a tradition that not only brought us together but also helped spark my interest in real estate,” said Astra Group CEO Maxim Olshevsky.
“Our hope is that families will create meaningful and joyful memories during the holiday season.”
The decision this year, to re-partner with Made by Momma and the Ukrainians of Calgary Association, was an easy one, said Smith.
“Both groups do amazing things. Made by Momma, they need no introduction. They help a diverse array of people. The Ukrainians of Calgary Association, they help newcomers in Calgary. A lot of families struggle. They come here, and they’re all trying their best. If we can make that just a little bit easier on them, that’s what we need to do.”
Iryna Goulet, President of the Ukrainians of Calgary Association, said that the continued support to provide holiday meals meant a lot to the families that have been displaced by the continuing war.
“It really shows these families that they are cared for and not alone, especially during tough times like these.”
The gesture was an indication that Calgarians still support Ukrainian evacuees emotionally and financially, she said.
