A local lady has spent the last eight to ten years giving back to those that may be lost, displaced, or forgotten.

An angel among us, Johanne Rieland, has helped some of Cochrane's poorest men get back on their feet. Providing shelter to the homeless, encouragement to those who have quit, and basic skills to those that lack; Johanne has saved individuals that many of us drive by, avoid, or give a quick glance as we pass by. Being taught from an early age to give back where you can, this angel in disguise has turned lives around, boosted morale, and given back a sense of purpose and pride to those who felt lost.

"I am the person I am because of my mom and dad. When I see a 60, 70-year-old man, even my own age, in their 50s, crying and collapsing on the floor because he feels like a failure and useless, I just feel so bad for them. They have had kids, homes...these are guys who used to own a home in our town, they were our neighbours...I don't think we should ever treat anyone that badly."

Johanne's name was first brought to my attention because every year Johanne and her husband have hosted Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner to Cochrane's struggling male population at their own home, out of their own pocket. With this year's guest list climbing to 76 people, it is the first time Johanne has entertained the idea of gaining a few helping hands.

Having her own medical issues and a husband with a dual cancer diagnosis, Johanne has been grateful for the support shown by others. Not a wealthy couple by any stretch, cooking dinner twice a year is just a drop in the bucket, for all she actually does. Not scared to get involved, Johanne credits her gift of gab, to gain trust from the individuals she helps. 

Johanne has provided monetary support, taught men to cook, clean themselves up, and even helped get them back in the workforce by applying for Alberta Works or AISH for those disabled. Helping to cover off rent to get some of the men off the street, Johanne goes above and beyond to support someone's son, dad, or grandpa.

JJ Ludwig owner of the Rocky View Hotel, shares Johanne's support, dedication, and belief in the fellowship of man creates an amazing ripple effect. "I've watched how her involvement with patrons of the Hotel has boosted their self-esteem and confidence. Not just by helping them problem solve food and shelter issues... but also by helping them see their personal worth. I wish I could describe the transformation that her encouragement and guidance has done. A person with confidence and self-assurance can tackle the world head on, and that's the transformation she creates within. Through her many projects and involvement with FCSS, micro homes for the underprivileged, and her personal events like Christmas for the Masses, she creates an environment where everyone feels welcome, normal, and the desire to create a better life for themselves. She makes people believe they can achieve anything, when often, the people she takes under her wing, have previously been left with no belief at all."

There is no way to measure how many people she has helped or how many lives she has touched; not seeking recognition, I thanked her for her ability to see the good in all human mankind. "It is nice to hear, I have found myself at the end of needing help and now I try to help others."

On December 23, Johanne along with her family will host turkey, ham, and all the trimmings to a crowd of mostly men and a few children. Gathering at the Jumping Pound Community Hall, this year she will receive some help. Some businesses such as the Rocky View Hotel, The Hub, Twisted Basil, and others have all graciously donated to the event and enough volunteers have stepped forward to help. "It has been absolutely amazing this year, there have been so many people that have heard about me...I don't know how maybe word of mouth...and they just offered to donate, it has been wonderful. It will be the biggest dinner so far, 97% are going to be all men, and they are all men I have helped except for one."

This holiday season, it is in all of us to help and give where we can. It does not have to be monetary in nature, instead, offer up words of encouragement and perhaps a simple thank you. Words are so powerful and have the ability to change someone's day, year, and life. "My mom always told me it doesn't take a lot to help somebody. You would be amazed by the little bit that you can give them they will bloom like a flower."

Cochrane is such an amazing community filled with gems like Johanne who ask for absolutely nothing in return.