The fundraiser to complete the community cenotaph is in its final few days, and the response so far has been promising.

Organizer Dan Kroffat says he has received tremendous feedback on the two-week campaign to raise the $5,000. The oversized collection box has been hosted by two businesses so far and will be located at Cochrane Coffee Traders, 114 2nd Ave. W. this Saturday, Oct. 19.

It was previously located at the McDonald's Restaurant and Cochrane Toyota.

"I'm excited about how Cochranites have gone out of their way to go to both locations to make overwhelming donations," says Kroffat. "When I phoned them, they said they were smiling and are excited to share the numbers."

On Monday noon, the total amount raised will be revealed at the cenotaph park, located next to the Royal Canadian Legion on 5th Ave. Kroffat says there will be at least one more announcement made at the event.

He's encouraging people to attend. Once again, CFL Hall of Famer Jon Cornish, MP Blake Richards, and representatives of businesses who have lent a hand will be in attendance.

"It doesn't matter if you've been a donor or not," says Kroffat. "Just by your appearance there Monday at noon, you will show your support for our veterans. Sometimes it's not about the money you donate, sometimes it's about the support you show by physically being there."

"Being there means we support our veterans."

Kroffat says people are also welcome to drop off donations at the Legion Hall, 114 5th Ave. If doing so, please specify it's for the cenotaph park project, he says.

The campaign kicked off on Oct. 7 at the park. There, a giant collection box crafted by Roy Genung was unveiled. Cochrane Home Treasures made a $1,000 donation to get the ball rolling.

The cenotaph park re-envisioning is all but complete. For over two years, the community has rallied behind the $200,000-plus project, originally proposed by Todd Puzey. He gained support for his idea of making the park an important Cochrane landmark. He believes it should not only recognize our war dead but become more accessible and inviting for everyday use.

Three park benches, a naming rock, and some finishing aesthetics are all that remain to complete the original design of OnGrowing Works.