COCHRANE— In a small effort to say thank you to Cochranites for their continued compliance in preventing the spread of COVID-19, first responders have began doing a Community Appreciation Parade in neighbourhoods throughout town during the month of April.
"It has been going really well so far. Everyone is banging on pots and pans and cheering and keeping a good safe distance away," said Jeff Avery, inspector with Cochrane Fire Services.
The following are dates and community locations where you can expect to see first responders coming through your neighbourhood. The parades get underway around 7 p.m.
Monday April 6, GlenEagles
Wednesday April 8, Riversong
Thursday April 9, Cochrane Heights
Saturday April 11, Riverview
Tuesday April 14, Jumping Pound/Bow Meadows/Bow Ridge
Thursday April 16, West Valley
Friday April 17, Glenbow
Sunday April 19, Fireside
Tuesday April 21, East End
Thursday April 23, Heartland
"We really appreciate the support from the residents of Cochrane and in turn we want to show our appreciation back to them," said Avery. "It is not easy being stuck in your home for a long period of time. We want to thank all the residents for doing their part in stopping COVID-19. It is going to take time but we will get through this."
Avery added there have been a number of calls in regards to birthday drive-bys. Due to the large numbers, they are simply not able to accommodate this at the moment.
"We will be focusing the month of April to the Community Appreciation Parades and will try to re-evaluate the birthday requests in May," he explained.
