The Helping Hands Society of Cochrane and Area will be out collecting food donations tomorrow, June 12 in support of the Cochrane Activettes food bank.

The food drive was initially scheduled for April 10 but organizers made the tough call to postpone it due to rapidly rising COVID-19 numbers.

Helping Hands Executive Director, Chairra Nicolle says that with numbers down in Cochrane, they're looking forward to getting out for a safe collection tomorrow.

"Our numbers are much, much lower now," says Nicolle.  "Now, we're very positive and looking forward to having this food drive take place."

The May food drive saw fewer volunteers, working in family cohorts to comply with the provincial restrictions at that time. Now, with the move to Stage 2 of the province's 'Open for Summer' plan, Nicolle says that they are less restricted this time around. Still, they plan on sticking with small groups.

"We're still going to follow a pretty strict protocol to be on the safe side," says Nicolle. "Our sorting is going to look a little different since we're able to have a few more people involved this time around. We're planning on having some cohorts from school and teams like that working together to do some collections."

Volunteers will be out in Cochrane's  East /Central neighbourhoods starting at 10 a.m on Saturday, June 12. Nicolle says that the Activettes have provided them with a wishlist of items they are in need of.

"For the food drive, the Activettes at the food bank are looking for coffee, tea, oatmeal can salmon and toiletries," explains Nicolle.

The food bank is also running low on nut-free granola bars, juice, dish soap, rice and oil.

Helping Hands will be visiting the following neighbourhoods tomorrow:

  • GlenEagles
  • East End
  • Downtown
  • Glenbow
  • Riverview
  • Greystone

Nicolle says that collection bags have been sent in the mail, however, they will collect donations placed in any type of bag or box. Residents are asked to leave food donations on their doorstep before 10 a.m.