March 23, 2020
Donations: First Food and Cash donations should go the Food Bank. If you are able and in a position to help Helping Hands click on the secure link to DONATE NOW which brings you to ATBCares site to make a donation to our Helping Hands. These donations are matched 15%and will allow Helping Hands to continue its mission to link People who Help with People who need Help. Helping Hands has served Cochrane and Area and Western Rocky View for 13 years. As this new decade starts our programs are needed more than ever. Thank you and with deep gratitude for all you give in terms of your time, talent and treasure. Your generosity is awe inspiring!! Sincerely Matthew Hagel on Behalf of the Board and Staff of Helping Hands
NOTICE OF POSTPONEMENT OF HELPING HANDS
COCHRANE AND WESTERN ROCKYVIEW FOOD DRIVE
ON SATURDAY APRIL 25, 2020
March 17, 2020
Based on the current situation in Alberta regarding COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) and the directives of the Alberta Government and Chief Medical Officer of Alberta Health Services, Helping Hands Society of Cochrane and Area and the Cochrane Activettes have jointly made the decision to postpone the Spring Food Drive for Cochrane and Western Rocky View which was to be held on Saturday April 25, 2020. The Food Drive attracts 800 community Volunteers and supplies 50% of the Food Bank shelves. As always, the health and safety of our Volunteers, Clients, Partners and the communities of Cochrane and Area and Western Rocky View are of the utmost importance.
The needs of the Food Bank continues to grow with the current situation and food donations and cash donations continue to be needed to ensure help for those in isolation, seniors, single parent and regular families, ill or injured or disabled and newcomers. We will continue to assist as we link Volunteers who Help with People who need Help.
HOW YOU CAN STILL HELP
Please make Food Donations at any of the Local grocery store bins in Cochrane. Local Volunteers regularly pick up from these bins and deliver to the Food Bank.
Please also consider cash/credit card (Monetary) donations to the Food Bank at the Activettes Website (CLICK FOR LINK)
Donations may also be mailed to Cochrane Activettes Box 535 Cochrane, AB T4C 1A7
We thank you for your support in Strengthening Community and being Good Neighbours!!
Sincerely Helping Hands and the Activettes
THE 2020 Helping Hands Society of Cochrane and Area Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled for March 26, 2020 is Postponed until Further Notice (Notice Given on March 17, 2020)
Helping Hands Society of Cochrane and Area Update regarding COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus)
March 13, 2020
To our Valued Volunteers, Clients, Partners, and Supporters
Helping Hands first priority in all of our operations is to ensure the safety and health of our Volunteers, Clients and Partners in the Food Drives as well as in the on going operation of our 7 Core Programs of Caring Neighbours, Volunteer Driver Program, Meal Teams, Movers with Heart, Newcomer Helpers Program, Summer Do Crew and Snow Helpers Program. We continue to assess the situation and be pro-active.
With the news that the Alberta Government is not permitting gatherings of 250 people Helping Hands is re-assessing the Food Drive to be held on April 25, 2020 (UPDATE POSTPONED AS OF MARCH 17) and will be communicating decisions very soon. As you know the Food Drive is essential for stocking the Cochrane and Area Food Bank which also serves Western Rocky View. We are looking at all options to ensure that the Food Bank receives supplies and donations.
In terms of our programs we will be contacting by phone or email our clients to discuss options to continue to provide the needed services Helping Hands provides.
The Volunteer Driver Program, the largest program Helping Hands operates, last year saw 460 rides. We want to ensure both our Drivers and Clients take steps to protect themselves as many trips are medically related to clinics and hospitals. As such we will be in contact with all our Drivers and Clients.
Through our partnerships with the Town of Cochrane Family and Community Support Services and many local non-profits we will work in concert to operate in a safe and healthy manner and collaborate together.
We appreciate the trust and support of all as our Staff and Board continue to monitor and respond to the circumstances as they evolve.
Sincerely,
Matthew
Matthew Hagel Executive Director
on behalf of the Board of Directors and Chairra Nicolle Volunteer Program Manager
The Helping Hands Society of Cochrane and Area is a volunteer linking organization and registered charity. We link people who help with people who need help. Our volunteers fill unmet human needs and strengthen community.
Helping Hands volunteers are here to assist low income individuals and single parent families, seniors, chronically ill or injured, and newcomers with practical needs. Our clients are those who do not have a support network or financial resources to help themselves.
Helping Hands links people who help with people who need help.
Our volunteers fill unmet human needs and strengthen community.
Charitable Registration Number #81689 3564 RR0001