Helping Hands supports our community with volunteer-powered programs that bring care, connection, and practical help to those who need it most.
Every program is about neighbours helping neighbours — making it possible for people to live safely, stay connected, and feel cared for.
Explore our programs below and discover how you can make a difference.
This program, delivered in collaboration with various community venues, provides temporary refuge during harsh weather conditions for any community member seeking a safe and welcoming place during inclement weather. Volunteers supporting this program receive specialized training to ensure the space remains respectful, supportive, and responsive to the needs of those seeking shelter, helping create an environment rooted in dignity, safety, and care.
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. In 2025 Helping Hands supported more than 900 requests for this program. 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.
Volunteers may help with everyday tasks such as running errands, completing small handyman jobs, assisting with home organizing or downsizing, or simply checking in through a friendly phone call or text message. Whether support is hands-on or conversational, each interaction helps strengthen a sense of belonging and community care.
Caring Neighbours is flexible by design. Volunteers are matched with neighbours based on availability, comfort level, and skills, allowing support to be offered in a way that feels natural and sustainable. At its heart, the program is about showing up—offering reassurance, companionship, and a reminder that our neighbours are supported, valued, and not navigating life’s challenges alone.
If this program sounds like a good fit for you, please sign up to become a Caring Neighbour!