The Cochrane Activettes Food Bank is ramping up for the busy holiday season.  The annual Share Your Christmas Program will run again this year and will be in full swing very soon.

As board chairperson, Kathy Tucker explains, “It is a very simple program in that anyone who is in need of help over the Christmas season can call in and ask for a hamper. So, what they get is a food hamper, some toys for their children, (perhaps if they are in need of a bike for a child there might be a possibility, they can get a bike depending on our supply this year) and a turkey or maybe a meat tray.”

Tucker says they are never sure how many requests they will receive. She says, “Last year, we serviced about 300 families. We’re expecting our regular 10 per cent increase and we are always prepared for way more than that if it ends up being that way because we never know from year to year how many families will reach out to us.”

The Share Your Christmas parades will be happening for a second year this year. This is a food drive that was born of the pandemic and proved to be so popular that they are doing it again. The parades see the first responders parading through all the Cochrane neighbourhoods and are enjoyed by residents and responders alike. The parades begin this week, November 15, and run every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday right up to December 8 ensuring that all neighbourhoods receive a parade and a chance to donate.

The parades will run from 5 to 7 pm on the below dates: 

SunsetMonday, Nov. 15

HeartlandWednesday, Nov. 17

Heritage HillsFriday, Nov. 19

FiresideMonday, Nov. 22

Bow Ridge/Meadows/Crawford/Jumping PoundWednesday, Nov. 24

Riversong/River Heights/ RivieraFriday, Nov. 26

West Valley/Terrace/PointeMonday, Nov. 29

GlenbowWednesday, Dec. 1

East End/Sunterra/Cochrane HeightsFriday, Dec. 3

GleneaglesMonday, Dec. 6

Riverview/WillowsWednesday, Dec. 8

When it comes to other ways of donating to the Cochrane Activettes Food Bank, Tucker says, “Everyone will receive a flyer in their mail shortly, and it talks about our Share Your Christmas program and the ways that they can donate.” Also, information can be found on the Activettes website and Facebook page.

For companies that would like to donate their time and show their support, they can call the food bank and register to send some employees to pack hampers. Last year, 91.5 Cochrane Now had a great time helping at Toyland and is more than happy to sign up again this year.  You still have time to register your company to volunteer as Tucker says, “We’re just in the process of getting our schedules made for when this is going to happen.” Again, all the details on how your company can reach out can be found on the food bank website.

Thanks to the pandemic, restrictions have not allowed the food bank to take on individual volunteers, but Tucker is hopeful that in the new year they will be able to accept more help. However, if you are anxious to help you can volunteer your time with The Clothesline which is the second-hand store in Cochrane that is also run by the Activettes. The store is open more days and hours than the food bank and is always appreciative of volunteer help.

Cochrane and area are very supportive of the Cochrane Activettes Food Bank and Tucker says, “We’ve had generous donations from our community and outlying areas throughout this whole time and we are just so grateful to have those donations and to be able to help the people that we are helping right now.”

You can rest assured that the volunteers and supporters of the Cochrane Activettes Food Bank and its Share Your Christmas program will ensure that it is a Merry Christmas for all.