A one-day bottle drive last week is helping nearly 20 Cochrane families bare the burden of unexpected child care costs experienced over the extended holiday break.
The community donated bottles, cans and cash, ultimately doubling the volunteer group's fundraising goal of $500 in the amount of $956.90.
The event was organized by Paul Singh in an effort to support families whose children were forced to stay home after the Alberta Government announced school-wide closures until Jan. 10 to prevent the spread of COVID-19, just days before their expected return the week prior.
"Some of the families — we have have been through ups and downs," said Singh. "And some people, they don't like to come forward to ask for help."
Through a Facebook post announcing the drive, Singh made a call for volunteers to help collect bottles and for those who knew of a family in need, to nominate them anonymously.
Susan Calvert, Kenji Paul Ville, Samantha Casselton, Alf Leslie and Lezley Rillera answered the call to volunteer, and in the end they received nominations for 16 families.
Thanks to the generous support of the community, each family is receiving $50, and there was enough left over for another three nominations.
"Of the amount we raised, $371.60 was from bottles," Singh said.
The rest came from a few cash donations.
Keith Rowe, owner of Rent My Home Property Management, led the charge of good Samaritans with a donation of $500.
"Cochanites are known for their generous support," said Singh, who, despite only announcing the event a few days prior, was still able to raise nearly $1,000 in a single day with volunteers backing the effort on a -35 C day.
While $50 is not likely to cover the entire cost of child care for many during the break, every penny counts.
Those interested in nominating a family can message Paul Singh on Facebook or by text message at 403-608-1615.
