Legacy bequest to fund nutrition programs, bursary at RRDSB schools

A family and former educator’s legacy will go towards supporting students in the Rainy River District.
In a press release Thursday morning, the Rainy River District School Board (RRDSB) announced they’d received a remarkable gift from Cochlan family which the board will use to fund nutrition programs and a bursary at District schools.
“The Rainy River District School Board is deeply grateful to announce the receipt of a $75,000 legacy donation made in honour of Helen Cochlan, whose remarkable life spanned nearly 104 years, and her sister Margaret Cochlan, a dedicated educator,” the release said.
According to an obituary published in the Times in 2006, Margaret Cochlan was a teacher in the Fort Frances area for 10 years before moving to Alberta, where she retired from teaching 30 years later.
“Though she passed away many years ago, her commitment to education lives on through this gift. Helen Cochlan shared that dedication through her generous donation, reflecting a lifelong belief in supporting students, especially those most in need,” the release said.
The funds will help the school board as it seeks to support students in need.
“This generous gift will sustain three RRDSB Student Nutrition and Support programs – Cook and Connect, Food Pantries, and Garden Connections – for the next five years,” The release said.
“Together, these programs provide students across the Rainy River District with hands-on opportunities to build cooking skills, safely use kitchen tools and appliances, develop meaningful connections to their food and local food systems, collaborate with peers, and access non-perishable food in a dignified, barrier-free way when needed.”
“I could not be more appreciative and thankful for this generosity and the lasting impact it will have on our students,” said Tara Rajala, Student Nutrition and Support Coordinator.
In addition to supporting Student Nutrition and Support programs, $10,000 of the donation will be allocated towards a bursary in the name of Margaret Cochlan.
“Once again, we would like to share our deepest gratitude for this donation and remain committed to recognizing both Margaret Cochlan for her dedication to teaching and Helen Cochlan for her extraordinary generosity,” the RRDSB said in their release.