Cochrane Home Treasures Surpasses $1 Million in Sales for Charity

A thrift store in Cochrane, Alberta, has reached a significant milestone by raising over $1 million in sales over the past five years. The profits generated by Cochrane Home Treasures have supported more than 40 local charities, demonstrating the store’s vital role in the community.

Dawn Thome, chair of the Treasures for Your Home Society, highlighted the significance of this achievement, particularly given that many items are priced between $2 and $5. “We’re just so reliant on the Cochrane community to keep on coming through the back door with donations,” Thome stated. “Then they wander around the front and buy something to replace what they just gave us.”

Cochrane Home Treasures has been serving the community for 25 years and has experienced steady growth. Thome noted that the demand for support has escalated in recent years, with many municipalities facing increased needs. “People are having a hard time meeting the basics,” she remarked.

In 2025, the organization achieved an annual record by selling $398,760 in donated goods. This success enabled the launch of a ‘gifting’ program, allowing charities to apply for funding for specific projects. “We started off with the emergency shelter, we gave to the humane society, the library, to Cochrane Search and Rescue,” Thome explained. “Basically, what we do is I get to phone them up and say, ‘Would you like $40,000 so you can buy that new search and rescue truck?’”

The store relies heavily on its volunteers, including Maryann Peterson, who has dedicated twelve years to the organization. Peterson spends her Tuesdays and Fridays stocking shelves and assisting customers. “If they’re looking for something specific, I take them to that area of the store,” she said, adding that the funds raised benefit the community directly. “All the money that we make is going back into the community.”

Local charities also express gratitude for the support they receive from Cochrane Home Treasures. Robyn Roy from the Cochrane Humane Society shared that the facility currently cares for 79 dogs and 67 cats. “Without them, we wouldn’t have been able to help these animals the way that we did,” she stated. The funds assist in providing proper care and support for the animals, helping them find new families.

Chairra Nicolle from Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) acknowledged the crucial role of Home Treasures in filling programming gaps. Although FCSS receives funding from provincial and municipal governments, Nicolle emphasized the importance of the additional support. “The funds that we receive here provide stability for our team to ensure that all of our residents are supported,” she said. “Thank you to Home Treasures for 20 years of support with all of our programs and services.”

Cochrane Home Treasures not only serves as a retail outlet but also as a pillar of support for the community. Its success in raising over $1 million demonstrates the impactful relationship between the store and the community it serves, making it a vital resource for many local organizations.