Community support in Cochrane – giving and giving back

Giving back to the community in Cochrane: holiday edition

The rolling foothills of Cochrane are dusted with snow, and the holiday season is nearly here. But that also means the pressure is on to find the perfect gifts for your favourite people. While shopping has its place in holiday traditions, this time of year also offers an opportunity to shift our focus from gift-giving to giving back. This is the real meaning of the holiday season: community connection and celebration.

Whether you want to volunteer your time or support community causes in another way, here are a few ways you can give back this season.

Support equine therapy programs

Robinson Outreach at Rivercross Ranch (ROARR) offers Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) programs for youth and seniors in need. These programs help participants build confidence and learn valuable life skills in a fun atmosphere while working with horses.

You can support ROARR by making a donation or volunteering at the ranch. They’re regularly looking for help with senior lunches, either through handling horses or serving food.

Lend a hand for low-income individuals

The Helping Hands Society is a volunteer linking organization and registered charity that connects people who help with people who need help. Becoming a volunteer means you can support low-income seniors, chronically ill residents, or single parents and newcomers with practical needs. 

Individuals, families, school classes and company teams are all welcome to volunteer. Complete an application to get started.

Support learning and literacy

Libraries are crucial pillars of communities. The Cochrane Public Library contributes to the well-being and health of our community by providing information, supporting literacy, and bringing people together. 

You can help further this registered charity’s mission by making a monetary gift or even by donating a vehicle.

Make sure every child receives a holiday gift

Get in the spirit of the season and get involved with the Cochrane and Area Events Society’s annual Stuff-A-Bus event. You can drop off a new, unwrapped toy, or non-perishable food item, or make a financial donation. All donations go to the Cochrane Activettes’ Share Your Christmas Hamper Program. 

Oh, and wear your best Christmas sweater, because you can also get your photo taken with Santa during this fun event!

9 more ways you can give back to the community

Want more ideas for giving back to the community in Cochrane? Here are a few to inspire you. Try getting everyone in your family to tackle their favourite idea!

1. Donate gently used kitchen items, furniture, linens, or electronics to Cochrane Home Treasures, a beloved local second hand home goods shop.
2. Drop off home renovation supplies at Home Reno Heaven, which raises money for the Cochrane Society for Housing Options in support of affordable housing initiatives around town.
3. Support health for a child in need with proceeds from your purchases at Two Pharmacy & Natural Market, thanks to the store’s “Health for You, Health for Another” program.
4. Give back to animal-related charities in Canada by donating to Global Pet Foods, an award-winning family-owned pet store in Cochrane.
5. Steward an acre of land through the Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation to help protect 3,200 acres of plants, animals, wetlands, riverbanks, and forests in Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park.
6. Preserve Cochrane’s history by donating to the Cochrane Historical and Archival Preservation Society (CHAPS), operator of the Cochrane Historical Museum, or become a CHAPS member to provide ongoing support.
7. Order a pint of craft beer at Rocky View Brewing Taproom, which features a revolving charity tap dedicated to supporting local organizations.
8. Help care for wolfdogs and end the cycle of abandonment with rescue organization Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary, by becoming a donor or supplying material goods. 
9. Keep the legacy of ranching alive by supporting Stockmen’s Memorial Foundation, which works to ensure the history of the livestock industry is passed down to younger generations.

Make this holiday season memorable

Donating to the organizations working to make life a little easier for those in need, or preserve our history, is a wonderful way to fill their cup and yours this winter — hold the hot chocolate! It makes for especially meaningful holiday memories.

Download the Explore Cochrane app to find more ways to connect with local businesses and non-profits in our community this season.