Five families celebrated the holidays a little easier thanks to the Helping Hampers program at Bow Valley High School.
The students delivered the hampers to five families in need Dec. 20 after hosting the annual campaign in the community.
“The idea is to supply each family with three months of food,” explained Scott Thompson, Bow Valley High teacher. “The idea is: if you had that cost taken care of for three months you can break the cycle of poverty.”
Bow Valley High School students have been engaged in the campaign collecting donations for approximately eight years.
“It is a good experience for the kids,” Thompson said.
This year, the school’s population, around 600, was able to give back to five families, including a single mom with five kids who works several part time jobs, and a family of refugees who recently moved to the community.
Despite the economic downturn, with Cochrane’s generosity, the campaign was also able to raise six smaller hampers that went on to help approximately 24 people. An additional 40 to 50 boxes went to the Cochrane Activettes Food Bank.
Donations included food items, household necessities, gift cards and time.
“Obviously with the economic realities not every family could donate (physical) items – there is a quote: ‘We can’t all do everything but everyone can do something.’ Some students offered babysitting for the families, or shoveling walks,” Thompson explained.
The Bow Valley High teacher said this campaign is good for the students because they realize poverty is something anyone can face, especially if you see it in the community you live in.
“They have a certain sense of generosity and they see it can give people opportunity and hope,” Thompson said.
All of the donations went toward families who have children in Cochrane middle schools, who might one-day transfer to Bow Valley High School, helping future Bobcats.
