There's no greater display of community giving than that of the Cochrane Activettes.
Yesterday, the 52-member women's service organization donated $75,000 to 22 community organizations through its Ways and Means Committee at a drop-in event.
"We're so honored to be able to help them out with their funding," says Activettes president Sue Lunnin, who praises the many who made it possible. "We are donating $75,000 through our Ways and Means--it's very extensive."
Recipients shuffled through the drop-in event, most staying briefly to mingle while receiving their donation. A full list of recipients is below.
Most of the funding is made possible through the Activettes' nonprofit gently used clothing store, The Clothesline, located in Unit 5 of 122 4 Ave. W. Lunnin says it's made possible not only through their membership but also through a team of people volunteering at the store.
"It's our main source of income that helps make this possible. It all goes right back into the community. Over 50 volunteers work there monthly to keep the clothes sorted and organized. We're very proud of everybody who helps out."
While these donations are significant, they're only part of what the Activettes do to help make Cochrane special.
Now in their 46th year, the Activettes remain a strong supporter of the food bank they created in December 1995. Last year, the food bank was incorporated as a separate society, a move prompted by regulatory changes by the Canada Revenue Agency.
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The Activettes are also well-known for their massive Share Your Christmas program, which this year spread the spirit of the season with food and gifts to 417 families in the Cochrane area.
They regularly volunteer at blood donor clinics, deliver meals, assist with local seniors' lodges, and provide two $4,500 bursaries annually to deserving Cochrane graduates.
Recently, the Activettes wrapped up its legacy program in honour of its 45th anniversary of placing 16 automated external defibrillators (AEDs) throughout the community. All their locations have been registered with Alberta Health Services, who keeps a full list of all publically accessible AEDs here.
There's more—much more.
"We are very busy all year round. We do take a break in the summertime, but even during that time, there's always a little something to do."
"This is our 46th year and we're just so proud of these ladies that are so selfless of their time and their dedication to the community."
Receiving donations yesterday were: Cochrane Kiwanis Club, Cochrane Public Library, BGC Cochrane & Area, Cochrane Search and Rescue, Bethany Care Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary & Area, Cochrane High's CHAT program, Big Hill Haven, Cultivate Cochrane, SLS Centre, Camp Kiwanis, Cochrane and Area Family Resource Centre, Seniors on the Bow, Cochrane & Area Events Society, Helping Hands Society, Cochrane Immigrant Services Committee, Cochrane & Area Hospice Society, Cochrane Pregnancy Care Centre, Seniors for Kids, Cochrane Challengers, Good Vibes Choir, and Wayfinders Wellness Society.
