Cochrane Home Treasures has started its charitable ways with a bang in 2024.

During the first two months of the year, they have already donated $110,000 to worthy causes.

"We had some big requests, which isn't always typical," says Home Treasures manager Cayley Breeze, "but we wanted to make sure that those organizations really got their needs fulfilled because they're all great initiatives."

There were other smaller donations, but the big ones included $20,000 to the Big Hill Lodge to help replace their aging bus, $9,300 to Bike Cochrane, who are working in partnership with the Mount St. Francis Retreat to develop a joint "Brains, Boots and Bike" trail, and $20,000 to the Wayfinders Wellness Society to help provide services to first responders, military veterans, and their families who are trying to maintain living in wellness with a PTSD/OSI injury.

Last year, Home Treasures set a new record by donating $286,000 to worthy causes.

"Our goal this year Is $235,000, but we will probably exceed that," says Breeze. "We'll see how we do and what requests come in."

She says it's all made possible by the support provided by residents of the Cochrane area.

She says it's all made possible by the symbiotic relationship they have with the community. Just how much they can donate depends upon goods donated for resale.

"I always tell people to think of us first. If we can take it in, we will. We can't take everything because we're just one small operation for a large community. But think of us first, because we do and we are a very transparent organization with helping other not-for-profits, their charities and other community events and initiatives."

The charitable second-hand store is located at #2 208-5th Ave. They are open Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and are closed on Sunday.