COCHRANE— Busting out of the chute with a unique fundraiser, The Cochrane Lions Club is calling on the community to donate food for the local food bank.
The Lions Club has been hosting the Fill a Chute Food Drive all week to help out the Cochrane Activettes and local veterans, said Cochrane Lions Club vice president and rodeo co-chairman Chris Connon. During the event, Cochranites are being encouraged to donate enough non-perishable food items to fill a chute which would traditionally contain a bucking bronco or raging bull during the rodeo.
Connon said they were inspired to try something a little different this year to help out the community after the Cochrane Lions Club Rodeo was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He noted this is the first year a fundraiser of this kind has taken place.
“When we have the rodeo it supports the community in so many different ways,” Connon said. “We wanted to do something this year— It’s a really tough year.”
He added each donation goes a long way in helping those in need in the community.
Connon said they are challenging other rodeo committees to host a similar event to support food banks in their area.
The food drive has found success, Connon said, adding he appreciates the donations and sponsors who have supported the Fill a Chute campaign.
The chute will be in the Labour Day Parade (Display) at Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre parking lot on Monday (Sept. 7) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
On Monday around 8:45 p.m. keep your eyes to the sky at Mitford Park for the Cochrane Lions fireworks show.
