A group of local 55+ hockey players has once again come through for the Cochrane Food Bank -- and this time, they’ve stepped up their game.
This week, the team donated a generous $870, with a big assist from the Canadian Brewhouse.
The players participate in a team program at the Canadian Brewhouse, where they receive the occasional free meal for their patronage. Instead, they chose to pay it forward-- each contributing $20 to help support the food bank.
This time, an additional $250 came from a fun raffle featuring hockey-themed prizes.
Kathy Ratico, director of the Cochrane Food Bank, says the support is appreciated in these trying times for residents.
"We so appreciate it," she says. "It means so much more when it comes from the community for the community, we're just thrilled to have it."
"We're buying groceries every single week to keep our families getting not just the canned stuff, but the healthy stuff--lettuce, potatoes, carrots, milk and bread, all that stuff. It's important for the families to get that, especially the children."
It was originally a $750 donation, but after Ratico spoke, players came up to her and to provide further donations.
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Rylee Elliott, general manager of the Canadfian Brewhouse, says they appreciate the patronage of the players, who were one of their longest program participants. He says they are thrilled to be able to play a small part in the resulting donations.
"Every single time they get the free meal through the program, they raise money for the food bank. Always for great for them to be able to do that and have them in here."
It's the third time the hockey players have donated to the food bank. The last donation was in December, with a $560 contribution.
Cochrane residents are encouraged to lend a helping hand later this month as the Cochrane Food Bank launches its spring food drive on April 26, going door to door in west side of Hwy. 22.
Communities include Fireside, Bow Meadows, Bow Ridge, Crawford Ranch, Jumping Pound, West Valley, West Terrace, West Pointe, Heartland, Heritage Hills, Monterra, Cochrane Lakes and Harmony.
A second drive will be held on the east side of Cochrane in September.
Donors are asked to place their food items on their doorstep by 10 a.m. for pickup, though volunteers may knock if they don’t see a donation.
