COCHRANE— Throwing their support behind Big Hill Haven’s latest fundraising initiative BIZ4HER, Canlin Energy donated $5,000 to support the sustainability of the non-profit.
Big Hill Haven Fund Development Officer Tara McFadden said she is grateful for the ongoing support Canlin Energy has provided to Cochrane’s only women’s shelter.
“They were the first to step up to be part of the BIZ4HER program and we appreciate their ongoing support,” McFadden said.
Canlin Energy presented the $5,000 donation to McFadden at Cochrane Toyota on Tuesday (May 18).
The BIZ4HER sponsorship program has been designed to showcase businesses dedicated to making a difference in the community and actively helping to end domestic abuse.
Four levels of sponsorship are available through the BIZ4HER program including platinum, gold, silver and bronze levels. Four local businesses have signed up since its initial launch Canlin Energy, Calgary-based Bon Ton Meat Market, Cochrane Toyota and Riverbend Interiors.
Participating businesses receive a Big Hill Haven logo to place in their front door showing their support for the non-profit. Businesses will be recognized for their support in various ways including partnership promotional material, recognition on the Big Hill Haven website, social media promotion, opportunities to participate in fundraising events and media exposure.
“It’s gets the word out. We’ve been so well supported by the local businesses we want to make sure that we’re giving back too,” McFadden said. “It’s tough times and we’re trying to be a little creative in how we support those that help us to make a difference."
Canlin Energy operations administrator Kaili Dale said the company has been supporting Big Hill Haven since its initial launch in 2018. In 2020 alone they donated $5,000 to support the non-profit.
“It’s important to make sure everyone has safety in their lives,” Dale said. “We were excited to be the first BIZ4HER supporter.”
She said it has been incredible to watch Big Hill Haven grow its roots in the community and develop programs and outreach supports for those in need. Dale added the support Big Hill Haven offers is having a positive impact on families who call Cochrane and area home.
Donations play a critical role in allowing Big Hill Haven to become a sustainable organization, McFadden said. The financial support allows the non-profit to continue to build its ability to actively assist those experiencing domestic abuse.
Over the past year, McFadden said, the non-profit has been able to expand its outreach hours from 25 hours a week to more than 55 hours a week with the creation of two outreach staff positions. The non-profit also recently launched the Haven to provide emergency housing to women and families fleeing domestic abuse.
Big Hill Haven opened its first official women's shelter in August 2020 and was immediately able to provide aid to women and children leaving abusive situations. It costs $175,000 to provide services to the community and Big Hill Haven receives no regular provincial or federal government funding. The crisis support centre provides services to about 60,000 people living in Cochrane, Bearspaw, Springbank, Bragg Creek, Cremona, Redwood Meadows and Ghost Lake Village.
Big Hill Haven is currently running a series of online “Support the Supporters” webinars. The talks focus on domestic abuse education and how the community can support those in need.
The webinars have proven to be a great tool in the community, McFadden said, because they help people recognize domestic abuse, how to respond if someone discloses they are experiencing domestic abuse, how to help survivors find resources and how to engage in conversations about domestic abuse.
“It’s a really great educational and engagement initiative. The more we all know the bigger a difference we can all make,” McFadden said.
The next Support the Supporters webinar takes place on May 25 from 5:30 to 7 p.m and will feature the Centre for Sexuality as a guest speaker. The topic is “Unpacking Masculinity and Engaging Men and Boys.”
“There’s a lot of great things happening. We’re trying to get a handle on domestic violence in our community,” McFadden said. “It’s only possible because of great supporters like Canlin Energy and all of the individual supporters and businesses, foundations and all the donations that have come in.”
For more information on Big Hill Haven visit bighillhaven.com.
