(Cochrane, AB) — Cochrane’s annual Jacket Racket is returning this October, bringing the community together to help ensure all individuals and families have access to warm winter clothing as temperatures begin to drop.
For more than 20 years, Jacket Racket has provided free, gently used winter apparel to community members of all ages. The program helps reduce financial barriers while giving winter clothing a second life and creating an easy way for residents to support their neighbours.
From October 7 to 21, Town of Cochrane Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) and the Family Resource Network (FRN), alongside community partners, will collect donations of clean, gently used winter apparel. This year, there is a particular need for youth jackets in sizes 10–16, snowpants, winter boots and warm gloves or mittens.
“As the cost of everyday essentials continues to put pressure on household budgets, programs like Jacket Racket are an important way our community can support one another,” says Kim Krawec, Manager of Family & Community Support Services. “We continue to see growing need in our community, and every clean, gently used jacket, pair of snowpants, boots or mittens donated can make a meaningful difference for a neighbour this winter.”
Residents can drop off donations at locations throughout Cochrane and surrounding area, including:
- BGC Cochrane
- Bearspaw Community Association
- Bragg Creek Community Centre
- Cochrane Alliance Church
- Cochrane Safeway
- Cochrane FCSS and FRN buildings
- SLS Centre
- The Station at Cochrane Crossing.
The Jacket Racket event will take place Saturday, October 24, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Cochrane Alliance Church, 902 Glenbow Drive. The event is free, barrier-free and open to everyone, with community members invited to select gently used winter apparel they need for the colder months ahead.
Residents are reminded that donations will only be accepted from October 7 to 21 and will not be accepted on site at the October 24 event.
For more information, visit cochrane.ca/jacketracket.
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