Thanks to unwavering local support, Cochrane Home Treasures (CHT) has achieved another milestone in its charitable efforts. Since 2020, the organization has donated a total of $1.06 million to the community, following two consecutive record years of giving.
“We're just so, so proud of this community,” said Treasures for Your Home Society chair Dawn Thome. “We want to say thank you so much to both the people who walk in the back door to donate their goods and the people who come in the front door to buy it.”
In 2023, Cochrane Home Treasures donated about $280,000 to various community organizations. That was followed by $264,000 in 2024.
“The last two years have been remarkable for us,” Thome said. “We’ve seen an increase in the number of donations we receive and the number of people shopping in the store.”
Managed by the Treasures for Your Home Society, the store on Fifth Avenue operates with eight staff members and about 50 volunteers.
“We have two to three volunteers coming in six days a week to take four-hour shifts. We couldn’t do what we do without them,” Thome said.
Cochrane Home Treasures currently runs three programs:
- Community Funding – Organizations can apply for funding for community projects and initiatives.
- Community Gifting – Funds are distributed to community groups under the recommendation of Cochrane Family and Community Support Services.
- Community Building – The organization sponsors family events such as free swimming and movie nights.
The non-profit has supported several local organizations, including the Boys and Girls Club, Route 22 Artist Collective Gallery, and the Cochrane & District Agricultural Society.
Through its community gifting program, CHT recently donated $40,000 to Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) for the Instrumental Needs program.
“This will help people meet their basic needs—anything from gas to dental care,” Thome said. “FCSS definitely has a pulse on what the need is in this town.”
With a steady influx of donated goods and strong store sales, Thome and the society will work on a strategic plan to position CHT for long-term success.
“I think the biggest thing for us is ensuring we work with other community partners to reach those in need and make a positive impact in Cochrane.”
