Anger is what Dan Kroffat, a well-known local philanthropist, felt when he heard how many of the Royal Canadian Legion’s poppy boxes had been stolen in the Calgary area this year.
Then inspiration struck – this was a chance for the people of Cochrane, and Canadians in general, to make it right.
“That is probably the lowest form of thievery and somebody has to stand up and say no, that’s not what we’re about as a society,” said Kroffat at his fundraising initiative announcement Nov. 12 at Cochrane Toyota.
Kroffat has been involved in a number of initiatives, including the Cochrane Outhouse Races, and has seen the town’s spirit first-hand.
“The spirit of Cochrane has always been supportive; Cochrane people are famous for rising up and helping whenever called upon.”
Starting Friday, Nov. 13, Kroffat is asking anyone in the Cochrane area to visit Cochrane Toyota to make a donation to the Royal Canadian Legion in order to compensate for the money stolen from area poppy boxes.
“We’d like to raise $2,000 initially, but if we can get the support of outside people involved in this, we can raise $10,000, which can go a long way to helping the vets.”
Jon Cornish, starting running back for the Calgary Stampeders, also attended the announcement fully supports Kroffat’s efforts.
“I love my city of Calgary but every city has its bad apples,” said Cornish.
“Any time I see any kind of injustice (done) I do whatever I can to try to rectify the situation – we wouldn’t have the country that we have today if it wasn’t for people giving their lives, and for people putting efforts into wars and peacekeeping.”
Anyone interested is invited to attend the cheque presentation which will be held at the dealership at noon on Saturday, Nov. 21.
