The Cochrane Activettes 'Share Your Christmas Campaign' surpassed expectations, proving that even in a down turned economy, local residents will dig deep to help.

Helen Parnell, President of the Cochrane Activettes, said they were overwhelmed by the amount of support.

"We nearly raised $100,000, our goal was $100,000 and we are sitting at over $90,000."

"I am sorry to say our food bank is full, thank you to all the wonderful schools, churches, the local stores. Clothing in a time of a recession - when the economy is down people always need clothing, the amount of clothes we have got for this 'Share Your Christmas Campaign' has been amazing."

Parnell says in all her time being involved with the Activettes she has never seen the food bank full during this time of the year.

"It is totally full, we have Activettes saying to me we need more storage room, we need a bigger food bank. This is the first time we have been so full, we are falling over boxes in the food bank."

Parnell believes Cochrane's success is due to the increased awareness to help support local families that are facing hardship.

"The Activettes and the food bank have been promoting it a lot. Right from Cochrane to Calgary to Alberta, the Food Bank Association has been promoting the need and the increase in need. So everyone has been stepping up."

While the shelves may be full now, Parnell says they will never turn down donations as they will always find a way to take more.

"We will find the room, we will stack them high, instead of seven boxes high we will stack them eight boxes high. We will never say no to donations. The recession could be here for a long time and we need that help."

Marni Fedeyko - airdrienews@goldenwestradio.com