Cochranites can help give back to those who help keep their communities and loved ones safe from Nov. 3 to 6, by participating in an annual food drive by the Cochrane Fire Department and RCMP for the Legacy Place Society.
The fourth annual event is taking place at the Save-On-Foods located at 65 Bow St. from 1 to 4 p.m., where members of Cochrane’s fire department and RCMP detachment will be accepting goods on site to help support veterans, firefighters, EMS, and other first responders and their families.
Diana Festejo, executive director of the Legacy Place Society, said the support from the community has been overwhelming.
“It’s great that the community can come together on this particular initiative, recognize these folks, and give a little bit back,” she said.
The Legacy Place Society is registered non-profit charity based in Alberta that supports law enforcement, emergency services, veterans, and their families.
Festejo said the society provides an anonymous support line for the listed groups, facilitation to other support services, several education partnerships regarding mental health and well-being, and three “home away from homes” in Red Deer, Edmonton, and Calgary.
The drive is looking for several non-perishable goods, cleaning supplies, personal hygiene products, infant foods, baby formula, and diapers. Festejo said the goods will be supplied to people and families around Cochrane, Airdrie, and Calgary for those who need support.
She added the society thanks locals for their generosity.
“[I] just love the folks of Cochrane and our sponsors at Save-On-Foods, they’ve been fantastic” she said. “We’ve been able to fulfil 35 to 40 hampers every year, and we appreciate that.”
Alex Vague, a member of the Cochrane Fire Department, is proud to see the community come out and support the initiative.
“The support is absolutely amazing,” Vague said. “This event has been going on for longer than I’ve been with the department.”
Over the last four years, he said he’s been continuously delighted to see locals support Cochrane’s bravest and finest.
“Every year, year after year, the people of Cochrane have done an amazing job,” Vague said. “Huge amounts of generosity and it’s going to help a lot of people in need, and yeah, big fuzzies all around.”
Vague extends an invitation out to anyone in Cochrane who would like to donate and support the food drive.
“Anything you guys can give is much appreciated and the love and generosity we’ve seen, year after year, is amazing,” he said. “It all goes a long way and thank you very much.”
