The Cochrane and Area Events Society (CAES), in partnership with the Cochrane Activettes and Canadian Tire, will be hosting their 4th annual Stuff A Bus campaign Dec. 5 outside of Canadian Tire’s new location, 55 Quarry Street East.
The purpose of the fundraiser, which runs from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., is to fill a school bus full of non-perishable food items, toys, and cash to be donated to various initiatives run by the Activettes.
“It’s a really good opportunity for people who maybe don’t know where to donate,” said Susan Bannister in human resources and accounting with Canadian Tire.
Donated toys, cash, and non-perishable food items will be put towards the Cochrane Food Bank and the Share Your Christmas hamper program, both of which are campaigns run by the Activettes.
According to Kathy Hubman of the Activettes, Share Your Christmas, which is a hamper program that provides food and gifts to over 150 families in the area, is currently in “full swing” with “donation boxes (being) distributed, locations secured, (and) schools, businesses, and church groups all working together to collect items.”
The Activettes goal is to raise $100,000 “of fundraising in support of Share Your Christmas and the Cochrane Food bank” and they are “well on (their) way” to reaching it thanks to the generosity shown by those who made donations at the Cochrane Light Up event on Nov. 21.
Maskwa Environmental Consulting Ltd. will also be making a donation of $250 through the Cochrane Activettes to be put towards the food bank. New to the event this year, the organizers will also accept gently used clothing which will go towards the Activettes used clothing store, Clothesline.
Clothesline is relocating to 122 Fourth Ave. and will be opening Dec. 10.
The Activettes are excited for the event and are expecting a great turnout.
“Cochrane is very supportive when it comes to giving,” said Helen Parnell of the Activettes.
“We want to see that bus STUFFED,” said Hubman.
