Alberta community's ostrich escape sparks new food bank campaign

The ostrich round-up is still ongoing in Taber, Alta., but the community is using a bit of humour over the situation to rustle up a bit of scratch for the local food bank.
The Town of Taber is paying it forward to the Taber Food Bank with a generous donation of 20 turkeys that will form part of the holiday hampers for those in need this season.
Officials say the campaign, which it named #FlightlessBirdsforFoodBanks, hopes to share feeling of generosity it enjoyed during the community-wide effort to recapture a herd of ostriches.
On Thursday, a group of the large flightless birds broke out of an enclosure at a nearby farm and made their way into the community.
A video of a desperate attempt by a police officer, with the ostrich owner riding shotgun, has already gone viral.
"As demonstrated by the massive rescue efforts yesterday, our Taber community is generous (and sometimes funny), and we want everyone to know it," the town said on Facebook.
"If you saw the story and it made you laugh, we challenge you to donate to your local food bank so everyone has reasons to smile."
Meanwhile, the police constable who came up with the idea of using his vehicle to chase down the bird was also recognized.
"(For) his valiant efforts that are definitely NOT taught in regular police academy curriculums, Constable Weersink with the Taber Police Service is also receiving our thanks and a turkey," the post said.
"We hope he enjoys this type of flightless bird a whole lot more than the ones from yesterday."
The town says it is taking the suggestions of "annual ostrich races" and naming the ostrich as Taber's official bird under consideration.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Powerful earthquake rocks Turkiye and Syria, kills more than 1,300
A powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake rocked wide swaths of Turkiye and Syria early Monday, toppling hundreds of buildings and killing more than 1,300 people. Hundreds were still believed to be trapped under rubble, and the toll was expected to rise as rescue workers searched mounds of wreckage in cities and towns across the area.

Canadian dollar's outlook for 2023 uncertain as interest rate hikes wane: experts
Experts say the outlook for the loonie in 2023 largely depends on commodity prices, how the U.S. dollar fares, and whether central banks are successful in avoiding a major recession.
China accuses U.S. of indiscriminate use of force over balloon
China on Monday accused the United States of indiscriminate use of force in shooting down a suspected Chinese spy balloon, saying it 'seriously impacted and damaged both sides' efforts and progress in stabilizing Sino-U.S. relations.'
BoC's first summary of deliberations coming this week. Here's what to expect
The Bank of Canada is set to publish its first summary of deliberations Wednesday, giving Canadians a peak into the governing council's reasoning behind its decision to raise interest rates last month.
Beyonce becomes most decorated artist in Grammys history; Harry Styles wins album of the year
Beyonce sits alone atop the Grammy throne as the ceremony's most decorated artist in history, but at the end of Sunday's show it was Harry Styles who walked away with the album of the year honour.
Charles Kimbrough, best known for role in 'Murphy Brown,' dies at 86
Charles Kimbrough, a Tony- and Emmy-nominated actor who played a straight-laced news anchor opposite Candice Bergen on 'Murphy Brown,' died Jan. 11 in Culver City, California. He was 86.
Advocates come together to help sailors stuck for months on tugboats in Quebec port
Groups that advocate for seafarers are expressing concern for 11 sailors who are spending a harsh Quebec winter aboard three tugboats that have been detained for months in the port of Trois-Rivières.
4 Americans, 2 Canadians fined $50K for illegal moose hunting in northern Ont.
An investigation that lasted almost two years has resulted in moose hunting violation convictions for six people and a lodge in Red Lake in northwestern Ontario.
5 things to know for Monday, February 6, 2023
The first battle tank from Canada destined for Ukraine lands in Poland, advocates come together to help sailors who have been stuck for months in a Quebec port, and Beyonce becomes the most decorated artist in Grammys history. Here's what you need to know to start your day.