FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 14, 2026
DONATION TO THE RAINY RIVER DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
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.
Margaret Cochlan devoted her life to teaching, including time in Fort Frances before a long and impactful career in Alberta. 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.
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. 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.
Media Contact:
Heather Campbell, Director of Education
Reference:
Jordyn Ahrens, Community Outreach Officer, Rainy River District School Board (807) 275-4989
Click here for PDF of Media Release.