For anyone who lives in Cochrane the amount of growth and population boom the town has experienced throughout the last handful of years needs no description. What was once a small western outpost has now become one the most populous municipalities in the province, and with that growth comes challenges–more people means there are more of those who need help, and one group has made it their mission to answer the call.
For almost half a century the Cochrane Activettes have supported local non-profit groups in the area, providing services and financial support to groups that in turn give their support to those who need it most.
The 52 members of the Activettes have made it their mission to help, and Thursday, April 24, was no different. The group handed out checks totalling $75,000 to over 20 different Cochrane organizations.
Representatives of the Kiwanis Club of Cochrane and Area, the Cochrane Public Library, BGC Cochrane and Area, Cochrane Search and Rescue, Cochrane Bethany Care Foundation, Big Brothers-Big Sisters of Calgary and Area, Cochrane High School Chat Program, Big Hill Haven, Cultivate Cochrane Society, Spray Lake Sawmills Centre, Kiwanis Club of Calgary and Camp Kiwanis. Cochrane and Area Family Resource Network, Seniors on the Bow of Cochrane and Area, Cochrane and Area Events Society, Helping Hands Society of Cochrane and Area, Cochrane Immigrant Services Committee, Cochrane and Area Hospice Society, Cochrane Pregnancy Care Centre, Seniors for Kids Society, Cochrane Challengers, Good Vibes Choir, and Wayfinders Wellness Society all received money from the Activettes.
“It’s truly an amazing feeling to help out and know you’re betting the community,” said Activettes president Sue Lunnin.
The Activettes have been operating in Cochrane for 46 years and with each flip of the calendar there are more groups to help. Lunnin said the service and volunteerism the Activettes do is very special to each member.
Aside from the $75,000 the Activettes gave out on Thursday, the group is also calling for nominations for two bursaries they plan to give out to graduates of local high schools. But their activism doesn’t stop at just financial donations, the group recently put in place 16 AEDs in spaces around town, and operate a donation and thrift store called The Clothesline, a connection that Lunnin admitted people in the community don’t always make.
“It feels phenomenal to be able to support our community,” Lunnin said. “It just makes [all our members] feel so good to do that.”
For the longest time the group was perhaps most famously known by their association with the Cochrane Food Bank, but they also organize blood donor clinics, Canada Day events, and many other initiatives.
In recent years the Activettes have seen an increase in community groups that need some help, but that hasn’t stifled the groups ability or desire to provide assistance where they can. Indeed, Lunnin admitted they’re even seeking out other big projects that can help people.
“We have definitely seen an increase in need for funding,” Lunnin said. “So many more service groups are needed and that, in essence, increases the amount of groups we can help.”
