Cochrane Home Treasures helps make Christmas wishes come true

Cochrane families helping other Cochrane families make it through the holiday season is one of the reasons why Cochrane Home Treasures exists.  The annual Christmas charity drive operated by the Treasures for Your Home Society through the Cochrane Home Treasures store has kicked off for another year and this year more than other they’re looking for assistance from the public.

Cochrane Home Treasures is now accepting names of deserving individuals and needy families that need a hand up this Christmas.  Folks that might be in a tight spot financially or are challenged in some way and find that Christmas is a tough time with additional expenses and expectations.

What is Cochrane Home Treasures?

Home Treasures is a non-profit retail store located at 118 – 1 Ave West in Cochrane established in 2002.  It’s a second-hand furniture and home wares store in Cochrane, serving a variety of purposes.  The store takes donations from the public and then sells them using the proceeds to fund charities in Cochrane.

It’s run by a small army of volunteers that can use the experience they gain by working at the store on their resume.  Manager Cayley Breeze told the Cochrane Times that the store’s mission is to give back to the town and the people in the community.  And that’s all year-round, not just at Christmas. Other non-profit organizations in Cochrane also benefit from money raised by the outlet. 

Cochrane Homes Treasures takes recommendations from town residents as to who requires some assistance with the November/December time period the busiest.  The store helps single parents existing on a tight budget, families that might be challenged by a health crisis or people who have been laid off and funds are drying up.

In 2015, Cochrane Home Treasures assisted 10 area families who came to its attention from friends and colleagues.  This year, the store would like to help as many as 15 families.

How to Get in Touch

Cochrane residents who would like to put a family’s name forward can email their contact information to hometreasures@shaw.ca.  The person making the recommendations will remain anonymous. There’s also a form published in the Cochrane Times which can be completed and brought to the store.

The family will receive a cheque, completely donated with no expectations as to how it will be used.

Cochrane Home Treasures has another holiday tradition that helps to raise money.  Every year they open the store to kids to do their holiday shopping.  Kids can pay just $5 and are allowed to pick out five things in the store that they would like to have as presents for other family members.  Volunteers at the store will gift wrap the items so they can go right under the Christmas tree.

This year’s Kids Christmas shopping event will be held on Dec 3 beginning at 10:00am.

Donating Items

The store looks for donations all 12 months of they year to keep the shelves stocked. It’s open daily from 10 am to 5 pm.  Pay it forward.  Your furniture deserves to be loved again (it’s their slogan).

In choosing items to donate to the store, Home Treasures has some guidelines.

• It should be gently used and of good quality and brought to the store in a closed box.
• The items should be in good order (lamps and small appliances)
• When you deliver the item is it safe for a volunteer to handle (glassware in particular)
• Can you still get parts for it?  (This is why typewriters are not accepted)

Check the website at cochranehometreasures.ca for a list of items that are not accepted.