Helping Hands Cochrane offers 10 key programs for the community. Each of these programs requires a team of volunteers, and we’re hoping you’ll join us to help!
You can learn more about each of our programs below:
The Volunteer Driver Program was created as a transportation program designed to assist community members who are low income, seniors, ill or injured, access to affordable local and inter-municipal transportation (between communities) for their medical appointments and essential outings. Helping Hands drivers provided over 660 rides in 2021 and 825 in 2022. This is a very busy program; we are always seeking additional drivers.
This program is designed to assist community members who are unable to do their own landscaping tasks such as grass mowing and gardening due to medical conditions, illness, injury or age related issues. Knowing that someone is volunteering to do so is a small thing that makes a big difference. This can be on-going care at the same property or one-time, occasional assistance – whatever suits your schedule.
This program is designed to assist those who are unable to shovel their own walks and driveways due to medical conditions, illness, injury or age related issues. Knowing that someone is volunteering to do so is a small thing that makes a big difference. Typically 2 volunteers are assigned to the same property to take turns for the entire winter – if that suits your schedule.
The Movers with Heart program is designed to assist those without personal supports with small moves within Cochrane – we are actively recruiting for this team! Sign up to become a Mover with Heart!
Take what you need – Leave what you can.
This community food exchange program promotes food security while tackling food waste. The program is structured as a “take what you need and leave what you can” free food initiative. It serves as an elegantly simple solution to community hunger that’s open and available 24/7 to anyone at any time.
Volunteers assist us daily with caretaking and cleaning shifts, food rescues, mini food drives, food bank collection and even grocery shopping opportunities.
Our East Shed is located at St. Andrew’s United Church 128 1 Street E.
Our West Shed can be found at the Bow Valley Baptist Church 54 W. Aarsby Rd.
This program is designed to give small community groups, friends, family, or clubs an opportunity to work together to assist community members in crisis by providing a nutritious, homemade meal.
Learn more about Helping Hand’s Meal Team Program here.
Since 2007 we have managed Cochrane’s Community Food Drives that support the the Cochrane Activettes Food Bank. Our four annual food drives require large teams of volunteers to collect food donations directly from doorsteps in Cochrane and Western Rocky View. In 2022 we had 522 volunteers work a collective 1367 hours to successfully execute food collection from every Cochrane community.
In 2024, Community Food Drives are being held:
March 23 – East Central
April 27 – West Side
September 21 – North End
October 19 – South End
Learn more about the Community Food Drives.
The Community Check In program helps connect and support isolated members in the community through phone calls or text messages. Volunteers are matched with those in need, and can participate on their own schedule. All you need is a phone and the desire to connect with individuals in the area who would benefit from a sense of support and community.
This program is a great chance to reach out to those members of our community who may be struggling.
Sign up to volunteer in the Community Check In program here.
The Caring Neighbours program was created as a way to assist clients after injury or illness. Volunteers donate their time to run errands, complete handyman tasks, or help with home organizing and/or downsizing. You can select the Caring Neighbours projects that are the best fit for your own skills. The program also provides community members with the support and companionship they need to live their best lives.
If this program sounds like a good fit for you, please sign up to become a Caring Neighbour!
Whether it’s navigating life with a new baby, an unexpected or chronic illness, living with a disability, the loss of a loved one, divorce or simply the natural effects of aging, Calgary Meals on Wheels is there to provide the comfort of healthy, delicious meals and our Helping Hands volunteers collect these pre-ordered meals and deliver them to Cochrane FCSS every Tuesday for pick up.