Cochrane Elves For Seniors

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WATCH: Cochrane Elves deliver over 1,100 gifts to seniors
Written by Noel Edey Thursday, Dec 21 2023, 6:19 pm
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About 1,100 gifts were delivered to residents of local seniors lodges, thanks to the generosity of Cochranites and the Cochrane Elves for Seniors. Santa, shown here with Heather Williams, left< and Cheryl DeMaere Ellis . was so moved by what was happening that he came to lend a hand.

Cochrane's generous Christmas spirit never ceases to amaze the organizers of the Cochrane Elves for Seniors.

Yesterday, over 1,100 gifts were delivered by the Elves to local senior lodges and some who live independently. Others were delivered to Seniors on the Bow, FCSS and Mini Thni.

"This year was fantastic," says Cheryl DeMaere Ellis, who has coordinated the event for several years along with Heather Williams. "We've had donations from Cochrane Home Treasures ($1,725), we've had lots of donations by private residents and as you see, all the gifts, absolutely heart-wrenching. Cochrane residents love their seniors.'

She also thanks the crew at Cochrane Toyota for accepting and sorting the presents in their showroom.

Heather Williams helps organize the event and comes from Red Deer annually for the delivery. She continues to be moved by the generosity of Cochrane area residents and their love and care for their seniors.

"We never have to worry about getting enough gifts here. The generosity of Cochrane residents is never in doubt. It's just an amazing community," she says.

Christmas gifts
Heather Williams, left, and Cheryl DeMaere Ellis with the numerous gifts donated to be distributed to local seniors. (Photo/Matthew Wolfe Photography)
This year her son, Matthew Wolfe came to assist, and is also their social media coordinator.

It's the third year Karla McLearn, a lifelong Cochranite, has helped. It's something she looks forward to every year.

"This year, I got a little bit more involved which was great. My kids are a little bit older, and I absolutely love it. This is a wonderful organization."

She believes it's become something the seniors have come to look forward to at Christmas. Some have families visiting but many are left on their own, making the gifts especially appreciated.

Even the eyes of the few seniors they met were wide-eyed and glowing when they saw the gifts arrive.

"We sure hope they enjoy the gifts, because that's the goal. Everyone deserves it."

Audrey
Audrey had a chat with Santa and briefly caught up with her daughter Cheryl DeMaere Ellis.
Audrey, a 91-year-old senior at one of the local lodges, is Cheryl's mom. She says many don't know where the gifts come from and are pleasantly surprised to find them outside their door on Christmas Day.

"For sure, everybody's happy, and a lot of people don't have anyone."

Previous, the Christmas giving was under the umbrella of the Communities of Alberta Networking for Seniors Assoc. It involves many of the same people, including DeMaere and Williams, but is now a separate organization focused strictly on the Cochrane area.

WATCH: To our seniors, with love

santa
News of the annual Christmas giving travelled far and wide, including the North Pole. Santa was so inspired that he flew in to help spread Christmas joy.

DeMaere Ellis says they'll be back next year and in the meantime will be doing a fundraising bottle drive sometime in the New Year.

You can keep up-to-date with Cochrane Elves for Seniors here.

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There is an article in the Cochrane now however due to Facebooks no news rule it won't let us post a link to it. If you would like the link please feel free to message us.

Here is the article from Cochrane now

WATCH: Cochrane Elves deliver over 1,100 gifts to seniors Cochrane's generous Christmas spirit never ceases to amaze the organizers of the Cochrane Elves for Seniors. Yesterday, over 1,100 gifts were delivered by the Elves to local senior lodges and some who live independently. Others were delivered to Seniors on the Bow, FCSS and Mini Thni.

Here is the article from Cochrane news

WATCH: Cochrane Elves deliver over 1,100 gifts to seniors Cochrane's generous Christmas spirit never ceases to amaze the organizers of the Cochrane Elves for Seniors. Yesterday, over 1,100 gifts were delivered by the Elves to local senior lodges and some who live independently. Others were delivered to Seniors on the Bow, FCSS and Mini Thni.

👌😉

Greetings from Cochrane Elves for Seniors.
Wow, we are so blessed to with all of you in Cochrane!!!
Cochrane Residents, you gifted 1000 seniors and low income seniors in Cochrane this year absolutely amazing!!!
It's an honor to work with Cochrane. You have so much love and respect for your seniors .
We Thank each and everyone with all our hearts.
We will have photos up of the delivery on our page soon.
Cochrane Now will have a story also
We wish you and yours a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
We would like to Thank
Cochrane Home Treasures for there donation
Everyone who left cash donations at Toyota
All the gift cards.
Our Santa

Cristy Betts your amazing!!
Karla McLearn Thank you for all your hard work
Heather wolfe Williams can't do this with out you!!!
Matthew Wolfe (photographer)
My husband Kurt for putting up with me at this time
Once again Thank you from all of us to all of you..
See you next Christmas.
Cheryl DeMaere Ellis.
Here are some pictures of the seniors that got your gifts.

Greetings from Cochrane Elves for Seniors.
Wow, we are so blessed to with all of you in Cochrane!!!
Cochrane Residents, you gifted 1000 seniors and low income seniors in Cochrane this year absolutely amazing!!!
It's an honor to work with Cochrane. You have so much love and respect for your seniors .
We Thank each and everyone with all our hearts.
We will have photos up of the delivery on our page soon.
Cochrane Now will have a story also
We wish you and yours a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
We would like to Thank
Cochrane Home Treasures for there donation
Everyone who left cash donations at Toyota
All the gift cards.
Our Santa

Cristy Betts your amazing!!
Karla McLearn Thank you for all your hard work
Heather wolfe Williams can't do this with out you!!!
Matthew Wolfe (photographer)
My husband Kurt for putting up with me at this time
Once again Thank you from all of us to all of you..
See you next Christmas.
Cheryl DeMaere Ellis

Here are some pictures of the seniors that got your gifts

Good Evening Cochrane.
Cochrane Elves for Seniors have been collecting gifts for seniors in nursing homes.
We have 16 days left before delivery .
We are in need.
Of
227 Grandpa's
229 Grandmas
63. Blankets for long term care.
The numbers are coming down
Please help make a difference for Cochrane Seniors..
Contact Cheryl DeMaere Ellis fb messenger
Heather D Wolfe-Williams fb messenger
Karla McLearn fb messenger
Jessica Reginato. Fb messenger
Let's make a difference for Cochrane Seniors.
Please let us know if you. Would like to gift male or female or a blanket.
Drop off is Cochrane Toyota wrap your gift and label it.
Please contact us
Thank you 😊

Hi Everyone
We will be posting numbers on Monday again.
Christmas is coming

One more photo to our collection.

Greetings everyone
I have worked together with seniors in Cochrane for 4 years now
Myself Cheryl DeMaere Ellis
Heather wolfe Williams
We are excited for our Christmas Season this year.
Stay tuned for exciting events and our dedication to Cochrane Seniors
Thank you
Cheryl

Welcome everyone, this is the official page for Cochrane Elves For Seniors.