The Fireside School community continues to be generous supporters of the Cochrane Activettes hamper program.

Since the school opened in 2017, its students, staff, and families have whole-heartedly provided a wealth of goods to brighten the holidays for families in the Cochrane area. Last Thursday, the school's foyer was filled with boxes, ready for delivery to the Activettes.

Principal Jason Ness says the school has special programs throughout the year, but by far the largest number is for the winter holidays, anchored by the food bank drive. Like the Glenbow Elementary School, they hold somewhat of a bingo, where items required by the Activettes are listed on a card.

"We know from the Activettes that Fireside has been a significant contributor to their food drive program since the opening of the school, and this year has been no exception," says Ness. "The kids have really impressed us with the volume of items they have brought in for the less fortunate in this community."

As an incentive, they offer a pizza party to the class who gets the most points.

"The reality is, and I just went around today (Dec. 9), the number of students who were not fussed in the slightest that their class didn't get the most points but were proud and happy about giving back to the community and making a difference for families in Cochrane was heart-warming."

The school of almost 800 students also has a range of holiday celebrations, including theme days and Christmas concerts.

Ness is no stranger to the Cochrane community's generosity. He has spent most of his teaching career at Bow Valley High School before making his way back here to become principal of Fireside this fall.

"It's heart-warming and astonishing to see the amount of outpouring that folks in Cochrane are willing to provide to make sure that folks in this community are looked after and have a holiday experience that is positive and as stress-free as possible, and families feel secure and safe at a time when stress can be high."

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