Cochrane's nonprofit second-hand store has reached another major milestone.
Cochrane Home Treasures has provided almost $1.06 million in community support since January 2020 through its community funding, gifting, and building programs.
Chair Dawn Thome credits the people of Cochrane and the surrounding area for the store’s success.
"Our success is entirely due to two groups of people: those who donate their household goods to us and those who shop in the store and buy those treasures," says Thome. "Without them, we're simply the conduit."
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More sizeable donations are scheduled for presentation this week.
Today, Home Treasures donated $10,000 to support the pet food bank, emergency boarding, and pet safe programs and other outreach programs of the Cochrane & Area Humane Society (CAHS).
"Hopefully, this helps people keep their pets and avoid the trauma of having to give them up because they can’t afford to care for them," says Thome. "At the same time, it lessens the load on the Humane Society, which would otherwise have to take in these animals."
People using Cochrane's food bank can pick up a voucher for dog and cat food, redeemable at the humane society. Emergency boarding is available for families facing crises, such as house fires or moves that temporarily prevent them from keeping their pets.
"Our pet safe program is specifically for people experiencing domestic violence," explains CAHS operations manager Michelle Frampton. "They’re getting out of that situation, but they just can’t take their animal with them at that point. We know some people won’t leave if they can’t take their pet, so this gives them peace of mind."
The funding will also help provide microchipping, spaying or neutering, and vaccinations for these pets.
Additionally, it will support CAHS’s outreach program in the Stoney Nakoda Nation.
"We provide food for cats and dogs there, along with a low-cost preventative spay and neuter program," says Frampton. "Even though it's low-cost, sometimes families still can’t afford it. These funds from Home Treasures will help cover those costs as well."
"This donation will go so far in supporting these programs. It's priceless."
A $40,000 donation is also set to be made later this week to Cochrane FCSS for its instrumental needs program, which provides emergency support to people in times of crisis.
The program helps with essentials such as fuel for work, rent and utility assistance, and emergency dental care.
"FCSS has the system in place to ensure the right people receive the right support, and we are very happy to contribute," says Thome.
Home Treasures has been donating to this FCSS program for several years.
When the need for a used furniture and household goods store was identified, Treasures for Your Home Society was founded, opening its first store in November 2002.
At that time, the Women’s Housing Committee was growing as a subcommittee of the Affordable Homes Task Force. Its goal was to support Cochrane residents—regardless of family structure, background, ability, or income—by promoting affordable housing, sustainability, and community building. The committee focused on education, empowerment, and public advocacy to foster successful living for all.
You can learn more about Home Treasures here.