With National Volunteer Week coming up, Cochranites can express their gratitude with a complimentary appreciation event for the people making a difference in the community.
Running from April 12-18 nationally, the annual week will kick off a day early in Cochrane with “Volunteer Appreciation” activities at the Cochrane Movie House April 11 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“What would Cochrane look like without volunteers,” Brenda Dennis said, a volunteer services and community programmer with Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) for the Town of Cochrane. “They make places like the Humane Society, Cochrane and Area Victim Services, the Boys and Girls Club, Big Brothers Big Sisters; those organizations wouldn’t be what they are, and some of them would not even exist without volunteers.
“They’re really the heart of our community.”
The event is entirely free for volunteers. “This is us being able to give back to them because they give of themselves all year,” Dennis said.
Volunteers can choose between three movies offered by FCSS, including the live-action Cinderella, Paddington, and The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.
Additionally, Cochrane’s own country singer-songwriter Sydney Mae will perform before the movies begin. Over 150 door prizes offered by local businesses and refreshments will also be available.
Other activities include face painting at Cochrane’s Fun Van and a chance to hangout with FCSS mascot Cinnamon Bear. The mayor, councillors and senior town staff will also be on hand to thank volunteers.
Dennis said although she hasn’t seen an influx in the amount of volunteers in recent years, people are still needed for volunteer boards and committees. She pointed people to the Town of Cochrane’s website for a list of non-profit groups to get involved.
She stressed that people should pick a cause they’re passionate about and then choose a group that corresponds. “Sometimes it’s not necessarily a position, it’s a passion.”
Tim Giese, a local volunteer, said you could see the results in a community with active volunteers. “It’s pretty amazing when you look around town to see what dedicated volunteers do for this town. I think that’s one of the neat things about Cochrane, is actually people do step up.”
FCSS is asking that volunteers interested in attending pick up their tickets at their office before the event starts.
