COCHRANE— Hoping to ensure local seniors and businesses in the Cochrane community have a happy holiday, a bottle drive fundraiser has rallied volunteers together to help spread Christmas cheer.
Local philanthropist Paul Singh and about a dozen volunteers recently organized a bottle drive as a way to bring the joy of the holidays to local seniors and businesses.
“We were so overwhelmed with the support we got from the community,” Singh exclaimed. “The sides of my house and the front of my driveway were full [of bottles].”
They came up with the idea to launch a bottle drive to raise money to purchase gift cards from local businesses, and have seniors nominated to receive one of the cards. Singh added within hours they received several nominations.
The initiative has raised $2,251.25 and supported more than 60 local businesses with the purchase of gift cards to date. The fundraiser received additional gift cards through donations from a selection of businesses.
Singh said they are grateful for the amount raised during the bottle drive, adding the amount surpassed their wildest hopes for the project.
“The heart of Cochranites is still there,” Singh said. “That’s what Cochrane is all about— Helping, oneness and accepting that we are there if you have nobody Cochranites are there to help you … It’s the community spirit.”
He added it was important to the volunteers to find a way to support local businesses during the project because they play a critical role in supporting community members.
“When I went to the businesses, the support I got was so overwhelming,” Singh said. “Even though I know they are going through rough times too with the pandemic."
The event was made possible through volunteers who “stepped up big time” to ensure they were able to spread kindness and the holiday spirit in Cochrane, Singh said. The bottle drive serves as a way to remind seniors and local business they remain a valued part of the community even when visiting in person may not be possible during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Singh said they are still calling on nominations for seniors to complete the bottle drive Christmas campaign. He encouraged anyone with a special senior in their life to text 403-608-1615 or contact him on Facebook with their nomination.
“If you know a senior and they have made a difference or they are alone this Christmas, or you just want to recognize a senior in the community please reach out."
Singh and his fellow Cochrane Immigrant Services Committee volunteers are keeping busy this week as they prepare for the annual Jingle and Mingle on Christmas Day.
The modified event provides a drive-thru soup lunch and takes place on Friday (Dec. 25) at 11 a.m. in the Cochrane Alliance Church parking lot.
Registration is encouraged to ensure the event maintains current Alberta public health measures.
“If you want to enjoy a little hot soup please drive by at Jingle Mingle,” Singh said. “It couldn’t have been done without the support of the community and volunteers.”
