A popular Cochrane restaurant is going above and beyond to help a young girl walk, one bottle at a time.
Original Joe’s Cochrane is collecting bottles and donating all proceeds to support the fundraising efforts for three-year-old Brielle, who needs robotic legs to help her walk.
“Every week we have Brielle’s mom coming in to pick up all of our bottles that we collect throughout the week,” says Dawn Paterson, Original Joe’s Cochrane general manager. “We’ll do it every Monday until Brielle gets her legs.”
Brielle’s family is raising $43,000 for a device called the Trexo Robotic Walker, which will help her build strength and gain mobility.
Dawn says they were inspired by the dedication of Brielle’s mother, Michelle, who’s been working tirelessly to improve her daughter’s quality of life.
“We just see how hard Michelle is working,” she says.
“If we can contribute and make it a little easier on her, that’s what we want to do.”
The restaurant is acting as a central drop-off spot, making it convenient for others to pitch in.
“People can bring their bottles here so Michelle doesn’t have to be driving all over,” Dawn says. “It gives her a little more time to spend with Brielle.”
Original Joe’s has always donated bottles to local causes, but this one feels particularly close to the heart.
“We’ve helped hockey teams, soccer teams, other charities but this time it’s personal,” Dawn says. “It’s about a little girl in our community.”
While the exact amount raised varies week to week, Dawn estimates each pickup could bring in $75 to $100.
“It depends if we get other donations on top of ours,” she says.
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With warmer weather arriving, the restaurant just opened its patio, giving customers another reason to stop by and support.
“It’s a perfect time to come have a drink and drop off your bottles.”
And they’re in it for the long haul.
“We’ll keep going until she gets those legs.”
Those wishing to help Brielle in her journey towards walking can donate to a fundraiser set up for the family here:
https://www.supportnow.org/brielle-s-journey
Or email briellesfundraiser@gmail.com