ATCO Group is the latest company to respond to the economic downturn with layoffs.
     Although the number of employees has not been announced, some reports are suggesting that more than 400 of the workforce of about 9,000, were laid off this week.  
    Some of these cuts were to ATCO Electric employees based in Drumheller.
    “ATCO is responding to the extremely challenging economic times,” stated Carson Ackroyd, ATCO Group vice president of Marketing and Communications. “We wish to thank all of the people of ATCO -past and present- for their tremendous contributions to our company.”
     ATCO Electric has had a strong presence in Drumheller for generations. It recently completed an expansion and renovation to its Drumheller Service Centre, and over the summer was busy completing upgrades to infrastructure throughout the valley.

    Local resident, Jamie Worman, has sent out on Facebook, a request to Paying it forward for Christmas, assisting families that could use some extra help for the Christmas Season.  Everything from Christmas toys, Christmas trees, decorations, and Christmas Dinner is being asked for in order to help families in need.
     Worman’s Facebook site said “So, with all the tragedy, heartache, division and hatred circulating not only in the Facebook realm but all over the world, I thought today would be a good time to try and unite some people, focus on helping one another and start helping families in, but not limited to, the Drumheller area who may need some help over the holidays. Our goal is to help as many deserving families as possible, so any and all donations, gift cards, wrapped or unwrapped gifts, decorations, sponsoring gifts for a family, etc. are greatly appreciated and will go towards deserving children and their families.”
     Worman said we are fortunate to live in a valley filled with beautiful, caring and supportive people that always rise to the occasion to pay it forward, to their fellow Drumhellions.  So lets make Christmas in the valley Grinch free, full of love, compassion, Christmas spirit and smiles.
    One local restaurant  has already donated enough gift certificates for each  person in the nominated family.  
    Families do not need to qualify, as in other social assistance programs, however they do need to be nominated.  Worman plans to keep the family names private and confidential.
     So if you know of a family that could use some help, please Facebook him a private message, or contact him at 403-820-3672.