Cochrane firefighters are thankful to the community for rallying behind their annual veterans' food and fundraising drive to make it one of the best.

The four-day campaign staged in front of Save-on-Foods saw a rental van filled up 4 1/2 times with food donations. They also received $225 in gift cards and $3,021 in cash. 

Every bit of it goes in support of Legacy Place to assist veterans, explains Jeff Avery, Cochrane Fire Services spokesman.

"All of those gift cards will go to the Legacy Place, and 100 per cent of the cash that we took in will, in turn, go and buy more food for the Legacy Place," says Avery.

He salutes Cochranites for their generosity in a time that has been trying for so many.

"There's a lot of people that are in need right now, and it never ceases to amaze me how Cochranites step up, even in their own time of need, to be able to donate a couple of cans of food. It brings a tear to your eye. It's just amazing to see what Cochranites do. I just love this town for that."

Avery says aiding veterans is near and dear to Cochrane firefighters. They have many veterans on staff and everyone chips in to do as much as possible to make it a success.

He says they thank the staff and management of Save-on-Foods for continuing to allow them to stage the campaign at their storefront.

Food drive 2Some of the food donated by shoppers at Save-on-Foods to assist veterans. Over four days, 4 1/2 van loads were collected as well as cash and gift cards. (Photo/Cochrane Fire Services)