COCHRANE— The Helping Hands Society of Cochrane & Area is falling into the autumn season with a renewed push to help those in need.
Helping Hands new executive director Chairra Nicolle said it has been exciting building a team dedicated to helping the organization reach out and provide aid new faces in the community. Nicolle assumed the role of executive director in August joining new Food Security Programs Manager April Baird and Programs Manager Melia Hayes.
The trio has called Cochrane home for years and they are eager to bring different community connections into the fold, she said.
“All three of us bring so much energy to wanting to help our community have the best quality of life and be able to support somebody who needs some help,” Nicolle said.
The team has been hard at work hitting the pavement for food drives in the community since she took over as executive director.
“It’s been exciting getting back out into the community and connecting again,” Nicolle said.
Food drives in the age of COVID-19 have been a unique experience, Nicolle said, explaining that in the past they have been held twice a year with the aid of 800 volunteers and cover the entire community of Cochrane in one event.
Due to the COVID-19 public health measures in place, the drives have been spread out taking place in individual communities with 50 to 75 volunteers.
Helping Hands volunteers were in Sunset on Saturday (Sept. 12), and have another food drive planned for Saturday (Sept. 26) in the communities in Heritage and Heartland. On Thanksgiving weekend they will be visiting the communities of Fireside, Riversong and Monterra on the Saturday.
During the Sunset food drive Helping Hands donations were able to fill seven pumpkin bins and three extra tables for a total of 270 cases of food. The food will be sorted and delivered to families in need through the Cochrane Food Bank.
“Families are in need right now,” Nicolle said.
Helping Hands was founded on the philosophy of engaging with and finding new ways to help people in need, she said, and this structure has allowed them to pivot and embrace new ways of working with the community during COVID-19.
“It’s something we’ve always done,” Nicolle said. “We’ve been in the community to fill the gaps.”
The COVID-19 pandemic has proved to be challenging, but it has been interesting finding ways to help those in need while keeping volunteers and clients safe as they adjust to changing public health measures.
“Everybody wanted to help out,” Nicolle said. She added there has been less volunteer availability as summer has progressed and the province has continued opening up. Nicolle added, she appreciates volunteers are always generous and willing to help out whenever a request comes up.
One of the greatest difficulties Helping Hands has faced has been combating the isolation created by the pandemic.
“A lot of our clients they’re immunocompromised, they have health risks so they were quite isolated from family, friends and even just being out in the community,” Nicolle said. “We had to adjust.”
Right now Helping Hands is focussed on getting teammates settled in their new roles, while connecting with volunteers and clients.
“We’re really just thinking about how we are going to prepare if there was a second wave for COVID and making sure we’re not letting any of our clients continue to be isolated,” Nicolle said. “Right now it’s getting that stability under us.”
Helping Hands is a member of the Town of Cochrane’s Social Recovery Task Force and it is helping the organization to better understand where community gaps may exist. Nicolle said they are conducting surveys and engaging with the community to better understand the needs of people and how to maneuver during the pandemic.
“Helping Hands will continue to see where they can fit in there to fill those gaps,” Nicolle said. “Our citizens are supported. We don’t want anyone to feel lonely, or isolated or that they can’t meet any unmet needs they have as a human.”
For those looking to volunteer with Helping Hands, Nicolle said, there are multiple avenues available. She added if you know someone who is struggling and needs help they are always there to support in any way they can.
“One of the best things about Helping Hands is being a volunteer organization we don’t have such strict shifts. Realistically, it’s whenever someone’s able to help,” Nicolle said. “We’re always looking out for volunteers to help out— There’s simple ways to help your neighbours.”
