It’s that time of year again. Let’s Stuff-a-Bus.
The Cochrane and Area Events Society is planning their 8th annual Stuff-a-Bus for December 14 between 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Canadian Tire entrance at 55 Quarry Street.
The society works in partnership with the Cochrane Activettes’ Share Your Christmas Hamper program and assists in collecting toys for families who, because of unforeseen reasons, are having a hard time making ends meet.
More than 200 hampers will be assembled. The group encourages Cochranites to donate new, unwrapped toys and other items for teens and adults. Items can include pyjamas, gift cards, outerwear, family games or chocolates. The Activettes will also accept cash donations and non-perishable food items.
The society encourages local businesses to set up collection boxes at their location. This initiative could be a positive team-building activity for staff and a drop-off location for customers. Businesses can deliver their collected items on Saturday to the hardworking volunteers and are welcome to stay for a group picture and a free hot chocolate.
Alternatively, the society can make arrangements to collect the donations from each location on December 13 if needed.
After the success from last year, the society will be setting up another elaborate photo scene with Santa Claus. This year’s scene will include Santa sitting on a stump roasting marshmallows around a fire. The winter theme is plaid. In case you forgot your plaid the society will have some to lend you for a photo. Everyone who makes a donation to the Activettes will receive a free e-picture.
The returning sponsor Colt and Southland Transportation will be on-site this year to assist in unloading and loading the donations.
Representatives of the society will be attending the Hitmen Enmax Teddy Bear game on December 1 and will assist in sorting the 28,000 and more stuffies that will be thrown on the rink.
