Bow Valley High School Grade 11 student Jorja Powers, 16, was inspired to launch the project Cochrane Community Cares to ensure those working during the COVID-19 pandemic know they are appreciated.
Powers said the idea came to her while talking to her mom one morning.
“We know this is a difficult time for everyone and we know there’s people working very hard to make sure everybody is kept safe,” Powers said. “We thought we would do something for them.”
Powers decided to launch Cochrane Community Cares to gather cards, letters and handmade drawing as a thank you to first responders and express gratitude for their role in helping keep the community safe.
Each week Powers will collect cards for groups such as EMS, the Urgent Care Centre, grocery stores, pharmacies and seniors facilities to show that they are appreciated.
She said she chose this format because it is accessible to everyone while following provincial public health measures. It was important to make a project everyone could participate in, she said, adding that this was inspired by her mom who is a preschool teacher.
“Kids from preschool to even adults can do it,” Powers said, explaining that she hopes the entire community rallies together to share messages with Cochrane health care workers and first responders.
“Handmade drawings and cards from citizens from people they might know may brighten their day.”
Powers said she has already developed a schedule for the delivery of cards, explaining that the entire process is based around preventing the transmission of the virus. COVID-19 has the potential to stay on paper for up to five days, she said, adding that cards are only handled while wearing gloves and then stored for five days until they are delivered.
“We thought we would be safe just to make sure that we decrease the chances of spreading anything,” Powers said. “The last thing we want is to infect the people who are helping fight this.”
After the five days, Powers will then repackage and deliver the cards to their destinations with a letter explaining the precautions she has taken and why they are receiving the thank you cards and artwork.
Powers said she decided where to send the cards based on a need to target first responders, doctors, nurses and pharmacists because they are putting themselves at great risk to help keep Cochrane residents safe. Powers added that she will also be sending cards to grocery store workers.
“We just thought it was important to help the people who are doing the most to help us,” Powers said.
For those looking to send cards the teen has created the Instagram @cochranecommunitycares and the Facebook page @cochranecommunitycares to help promote the project.
To participate in the Cochrane Community Cares initiative mail letters, cards and artwork to PO Box 1635 Cochrane, AB T4C 1B5.
The timeline for the delivery of care packages is as follows— Letters received by May 8 would be delivered by May 15 to Fire, EMS and Bylaw. Letters received by May 15 would be delivered by May 22 to RCMP. Letters received by May 22 would be delivered by May 29 to Urgent Care and the Lab. Letters received by May 29 would be delivered by June 5 to the three seniors facilities in Town. Letters received by June 5 would be delivered by June 12 to the pharmacies. Letters received by June 12 would be delivered by June 19 to the grocery stores.
Powers said every thought counts when making the cards, letters and artwork. She said she is making cards that are bright and colourful that celebrate first responders and show her appreciation.
“Be genuine, cheerful and send messages of hope to these people,” Powers said. “I would like to get as many people involved as possible. We are united as a community and I think it is something we can all do together to help.”
