A grassroots initiative has been launched to thank local businesses and their staff for providing exceptional service to Cochrane through challenging times.

Businesses can be nominated through a Cochrane Holiday Cheers Facebook page for one of 12 gift certificates. Starting Dec. 6, one name will be drawn daily for 12 days.

Rea Booker explains Holiday Cheers is an opportunity to acknowledge and recognize the many tremendous local businesses we're fortunate to have in Cochrane.

"It's all about supporting each other and helping to build connections between Cochrane's small businesses and residents," she says.

She says many have been profoundly affected by the pandemic, and they hope to bring a smile to the business owners and their staff who continue to work incredibly hard every day.

"We are so very fortunate to have these wonderful businesses in town. I happen to be friends with several people who run various businesses, and I just think it's amazing that here in our small town of Cochrane, we can definitely compete with the bigger stores in the city and the restaurants as well."

Also assisting with the Holiday Cheers campaign are Maria Romero and Paul Singh.

The gift certificates have been provided by eight local businesses. 

People are free to add Cochrane businesses to the list until Dec. 5. You can find full details by clicking here.