COCHRANE— A local chapter of the Masonic girl’s youth group, Job’s Daughters, recently donated more than $500 to the Cochrane and Area Humane Society on Sept. 20.
The local branch of Pet Valu matched the donation, which brought the total to $1,023. The youth group also bought some much-needed supplies, like food, toys and litter for the shelter.
Head Girl of the Chapter, also known as Honoured Queen, Julie Shiman inspired Job's Daughters to make the donation.
Although the group is based in Calgary, Julia is from Cochrane, which is why the Cochrane and Area Humane Society was chosen to be the recipient of the donation, said Julia’s mother, Allison Shiman.
“That’s what we do in Cochrane, we’re involved in a lot of these donations,” Shiman said. “I think she wanted to bring the community element back to it.”
One of the mandates of Job's Daughters is giving back to the community. The group regularly hosts fundraisers and donates to charitable organizations like food banks and similar services.
The youth group organized a scavenger hunt that took them all over Cochrane. The Cochrane and Area Humane Society was the final stop in the scavenger hunt, and the donation was the prize for making it to the end, Shiman said.
She added she was proud to see the group of girls donate their entire cash reserve to the Humane Society.
“I was really excited over the amount that they donated,” she said. “They don’t have a ton of money so it was exciting that they gave the whole $500. I think the girls are learning that their hard work can be given and that it does help, and what you can achieve by giving donations.”
In an email interview, communications coordinator with the Cochrane and Area Humane Society, Lisa Kedian said that the donations were especially needed during the pandemic.
“During the past several months, the COVID-19 pandemic has put a strain on operations with the postponement or cancellation of many of our public programs and fundraising events,” she said. “We are so grateful to have youth in our community that care so deeply for animals and their welfare and want to help us provide opportunities to animals in need.”
Keidan added the community has shown tremendous support to the shelter in recent months.
“The giving spirit in Cochrane is strong and generous and shows how we all come together when times are difficult to support one another."
