What are your priorities for improving social or community services?
The most important thing we can do for struggling and disadvantaged families in Cochrane is empower the volunteer organizations who are out in the community making a difference.
Churches and community organizations, such as the the Cochrane Lions Club, Rotary Club of Cochrane, Cochrane Activettes, Cochrane and Area Victims Services and King Solomon’s Lodge do tons of great work to improve the lives of others. Moreover, community driven organizations are often more successful and more efficient than government run initiatives. Just a few weeks ago, a group of boxers out of Rival Boxing Gym organized an amazing fundraising event for cancer research. This event didn’t cost the taxpayers a dime, it raised nearly $10,000 for charity and it was a ton of fun for the 700 people who attended. I have never seen a government-organized event that was so entertaining and financially successful at the same time.
It’s critical that we continue to support these groups with small community grants, plus relax rules and regulations when they ask us to. People who dedicate their time volunteering in the service of others will always have my vote in the council chambers.
