Cochrane’s food bank is trying to create a better understanding of the services it offers and to whom in advance of its next major push for donations on April 16.
“We are trying to include everyone from western Rocky View and trying to make everyone aware in Bragg Creek, Springbank, Bearspaw that the Cochrane Activettes food bank actually services all of western Rocky View,” explained Jackie Shier, executive director of Helping Hands.
The semi-annual Cochrane and area food drive organized by the Helping Hands Society of Cochrane & Area collects for the Cochrane Activettes food bank every six months and contributes to 90 per cent of the food bank stock – and donations are more necessary than ever, according to organizers.
The Food Bank supported 40 families last year the area, yet organizers said when organizers asked residents of the surrounding communities to donate to the food drive some people said that they “identified with” the Calgary food banks.
“It is really easy to say you support the city food bank but I asked a Calgary food bank what they would do with residents from these communities and while they said they would not turn anyone away, they would tell them to go to their local food bank first, which is us,” Shier explained.
Last year 51 hampers were distributed during the month of March and this year during the first three weeks of March more than 80 hampers were given to families in need.
“Because of the economy, a lot of people have lost their jobs or are working on reduced hours,” Shier explained.
The collection day usually brings out more than 400 volunteers, with organizers seeking more collectors this year. Donations bags are distributed prior to the food drive with volunteers driving to each neighbourhood to collect the donations on the Saturday. The donations are then taken to the Cochrane Alliance Church to be sorted.
About one-third of Cochrane residents contribute to the semi-annual food drive, said Terrance Haxton, chair of Helping Hands, but he hopes to see 50 per cent of the community donating.
“My goal is to get so much food they have to rent space,” Haxton said with a laugh.
This year organizers are asking for protein-based items, cleaning supplies and encouraging people to donate healthier food items.
“When people come to pick up the hampers they are in tears with how generous the community has been and they are very grateful and often they become volunteers for the next food drive,” Shier said.
Organizers are asking people to put their unexpired, non-perishable food items in the donation bag and leave it on their doorstep before 10 a.m. April 16. People can also drop off items at Safeway, Save On Foods or Mark’s No Frills.
For more information or to volunteers contact Helping Hands organizers at 587-580-9448 or email [email protected].
