War vet sharing joy
Thousands of turkeys handed out...
A 91-year-old Fort Erie veteran’s tradition of helping out local families fill up on a Christmas meal helps keep his heart full of the season’s giving spirit.
Wray Robbins, who served with the Armed Forces during the Second World War and the Korean War, has been putting turkeys on the tables of needy families for the last 20 years.
On Tuesday, he was at Jess and Kelly’s No Frills in Fort Erie with 210 birds and 74 boxes of food for people supported by his initiative this year, working with local churches and the Salvation Army to determine the recipients.
Robbins also has an anonymous donour helping with his cause, which started two decades ago with 15 turkeys.
He says helping others in need is his favourite part of the Christmas season.
“When we’re all sitting down with a turkey, we know they are too,” said Robbins.
“There’s a lot of people out there who need help,” he said.
Robbins said his effort operated quietly for many years until about 10 years ago when the Fort Erie Times heard about him and published a story a couple of weeks before Christmas.
He said the annual donation will continue for as many years as possible and that it’s something he gets an incredible amount of joy from.
“The more people you give to, the better you feel. Everyone needs a little help sometimes,” he said.
Robbins is an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 230 in Ridgeway.