That's a wrap on the annual First Responder Parades.

Every street in town got a visit from Cochrane Fire Services, Cochrane Municipal Enforcement, the RCMP, and Cochrane and Area Victim Services over the last couple of weeks, all in an effort to collect donations for the Cochrane Activettes Share your Christmas program.

Organizer Marni Fedeyko says the parades are two-fold. 

"We're hoping every Cochranite has a an amazing Christmas, but it's also to give credit and to support our first responders who are often times out there doing their job and they don't necessarily get the kudos that they probably deserve all the time." 

The cavalcade was met by smiling faces and plenty of waves as residents stood outside with their non-perishable food donations and toys.

"I do know that times are tough and I have seen it, I believe that donations are probably down from what we have collected in the past but the thing that warms my heart is when you see someone standing out there and they have one can, because that one can is all that they can give but they're still willing to give." 

The Activettes expect to hand out more than 400 hampers to local families in need this year.

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