Bottle drive proceeds will help fill Christmas wishlists of seniors

The Annual Senior Wish List Program is encouraging Cochrane area residents to hold on to their bottles for an Oct. 8th fundraiser.

The nonprofit group that brought Christmas gifts to seniors last year will be returning in December. It's holding the bottle drive to raise some of the funds required to make it possible.

Cheryl DeMaere-Ellis, Southern Representative for the Annual Seniors Wishlist Program, says they are expecting to be distributing more Christmas hampers and gifts this year.

"I believe there's going to be a big need this year, and we need to make sure every senior is happy and wakes up with a smile on their face and has a good hearty Christmas dinner."

They distributed Christmas hampers and gifts in Cochrane for the first time last year and also helped to organize the free movie event for seniors at the Cochrane Movie House in July.

Originally established in the Edmonton area, they continue to expand across the province. DeMaere-Ellis says they are now working with 22 senior lodges between Lacombe and Banff, with Cochrane being the first. Her mother is a resident of Bethany Cochrane.

She says this year they will be expanding their distributions to include independent seniors this Christmas. One way or another, she says they will find a way to fill all requests.

"We will not go to a nursing home and only have 20 gifts for 50 people. We will always make sure every resident has a gift at Christmas. So if that means coming out of our pocket or doing a bottle drive or some sort of fundraiser, then that's what we'll do."

People are asked to bring their bottles to the back parking lot of the local bottle depot, 205 Railway St. E., between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Oct. 8.

Those wishing to make other contributions can also email donations to c.a.n.uwishprogram@gmail.com.

You can find out more about the Annual Seniors Wish List Program here.