The Helping Hands Spring Food Drive is right around the corner, and the need is definitely evident.

Jackie Shier, Executive Director of Helping Hands, says with shelves emptying, she is hopeful Cochranites will once again dig deep. "You very well could be helping out your neighbour because you often won't know when they are in need. We have a fabulous food security program here in Cochrane and being part of helping out your neighbours anonymously, should be heartwarming. No one will ever be turned away for food."

"The Activettes are eagerly awaiting the Spring Food Drive as the summer can be just as busy as the winter for people requesting items," states Shier. 

From January to December of 2018, 1044 hampers went out helping 2890 clients, in which, 1350 of those were children. Up from the previously recorded amount of 997 hampers, Shier, says much has to do with growth and a slow recovery to the economy. "We know that people need it, we have the numbers to show it, and every little bit helps."

Although she is hoping for nice weather on April 13th, Shier, states it generally does not dampen the spirits of the hundreds of volunteers that come out on the day to support the event. "The day of we end up with about 550 volunteers or so, and we often find that when people come out for the first time, they will keep coming back because their time is used wisely."

Shier is optimistic that messaging of the upcoming food drive will reach more folks, as stats of one in every three homes donating has been holding steady. "Whether that means people just aren't home the morning of the food drive or maybe people are having financial troubles themselves, we would love it if everybody could help out their neighbours in need even a little bit."

The Spring Food Drive will be held on April 13th with volunteers beginning to collect donations off of doorsteps at 10 a.m. For those wishing to sort the donated items, sorting will occur at the Bow Valley Baptist Church, which Shier is grateful for.

If you would like to help volunteer in any capacity, either in Cochrane or surrounding Rocky View County, you are asked to email fooddrive@helpinghandscochrane.ca

The food drive would not be the success it is, without the help of many. "Every set of hands that comes out is needed, that's for sure."

The Cochrane Food Bank is in need of the following NON-EXPIRED, UNOPENED PACKAGES of the following donations:

  • canned fruit
  • canned vegetables
  • oatmeal
  • school snacks that are peanut free
  • toilet paper
  • peanut butter 
  • canned protein: ham, tuna, salmon
  • cereal
  • canned goods
  • cleaning supplies
  • laundry detergent 
  • coffee/tea
  • rice
  • gluten-free rice, pasta, oatmeal