Artist MJ Stead persevered through her tiredness as she completed five paintings in a week's time.

Despite dealing with the ups and downs of breast cancer treatment, MJ was able to raise a good chunk of money to help those 'not forgotten'.

Partnering up with Cochrane Fire Services initiative to support the Veterans Association Food Bank, MJ was able to donate $525 cash to contribute to their annual food drive.

Inspector Jeff Avery with Cochrane Fire Services says every donation that comes through the door goes directly to support those in need. "We are going to go to the grocery store, and every donation we get 100% of that goes to food or supplies, there's no administration costs or anything like that. I want to thank MJ because this is a great cause and it's going to help a lot of people."

Heading to the grocery stores during the first couple days in December, Avery shares all donated monetary funds will be used to purchase more items and fill in any gaps of requested items not received.

Last year Fire Services delivered five truckloads of food to the Veterans Food Bank and Inspector Avery is confident they will match if not surpass last year's total. "This initiative has been very, very successful. The residents of the town have always opened up their purses and wallets for this month, they know there are some Veterans in need. Let's face it the Veterans are the reason why we live in the best country in the world because of what they did for us."

Fire Services will continue collecting donations for a couple more weeks and Avery says it's an easy initiative for everyone to get behind. "This is an easy thing to run, it's very well organized by Ian (Stewart) and Alex (Vague) and the town residents take wholeheartedly to this. Although we have a lot of food already, we're going to keep it going to the end of the month and see how much we can get."

Throwing out the challenge to others, MJ says if she can do it, so can others. "I challenge anybody else in the community to do something to raise money, help out, and make this the best year ever."

Avery and other members of Cochrane Fire Services will deliver all the donations personally, and MJ is already looking to support this important cause next year. "It's something I can do to give back. The Veterans from both years ago and from today have done so much to serve our country and it's just a little thing I can do to give back."

Whether MJ chooses to paint in watercolour, oil, acrylic or expand into the world of pastels we know her artwork is painting a positive picture for Vets in need.

Donations can be dropped off to Cochrane Fire Services until November 30th.

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