Cochrane Fire Services collected a record number of donations for the Veterans Association Food Bank and Legacy Place Society during its annual food drive last month.

Dropping off the last truckload of non-perishable items this week, the local department is hoping to see Cochranites giving spirit continue during the annual 'Firefighter Christmas Eve Santa Claus Run' which will support our local food bank.

Inspector, Jeff Avery shares the department collected six truckloads of donations this year, up substantially, from the year prior. "I think this year's success was because of the hard work and effort put in by members Ian Stewart and Alex Vague. They are very passionate about this initiative and with military backgrounds, it is very close to their hearts.  It was also easy to surpass last year's total when we had almost two truckloads in the first week thanks to having our trucks at Save On Foods and the generosity shown by Cochrane and area residents."

Avery also gave special credit to artist MJ Stead who auctioned off five of her paintings in support of Fire Services annual drive. "We had gift cards and, of course, MJ with her $525 was a full truckload by itself. Mark at No Frills always supports us and did so again this year by matching many of our donations."

The Veterans Association Food Bank and Legacy Place Society were, both, extremely grateful for Cochrane's support this year and Avery says while they could collect items all year round they will likely keep things status quo. "For now we will leave the food drive as a November initiative, I think. Any December donations will go directly to the Cochrane Activettes in support of our local food bank."

This year, after a suggestion made by Cochrane Councillor Alex Reed, Cochrane Fire Services, Christmas Eve Run will be followed by a second truck in hopes Cochranites once again dig deep and bring along non-perishable items in support of families in need.