With this year's "Share Your Christmas," hamper program, the Cochrane Activettes are committed to assisting people who are less fortunate in our community.

“Our donation boxes are placed all throughout town with many different businesses,” says Sue Lunnin, chair for this year's Cochrane Activette Share Your Christmas program. “People can go in and bring donations of new toys, non-perishable food, and gifts and drop them off at these boxes. Then we will be compiling everything together and organizing and distributing the gifts with our Santa Sacks and our food hampers.”

The program has been going in Cochrane for 40 years with no signs of slowing down. 

“It's absolutely unbelievable, our community here in Cochrane is the most giving, generous community that anyone could ever possibly imagine.”

The Cochrane Activettes Food Bank has seen an increase in usage in the community throughout 2022 and Lunnin expects to see a greater need for this year's program.

“We're definitely estimating and preparing for many more numbers than we've had. There are a lot of newcomers to town, and the need is there”

The Cochrane Activettes will also be set up at various holiday events throughout the season collecting donations. Events include Cochrane Light Up, Stuff-A-Bus, The CP Holiday Train, and the First Responder community parades.

Unwrapped toys, teen gifts, and non-perishable food items can be dropped off at one of the many collection points (including CochraneNow) until December 5, 2022.

Anyone in Cochrane and the surrounding area needing a hamper can reach the Cochrane Activettes at (403) 369-8837.