COCHRANE— Revving their engines in support of Big Hill Haven, the Cruz-4-Her charity ride raised more than $6,000 for the non-profit.
It was awesome seeing the unique rides hit the road in support of the non-profit on Saturday (Aug. 15), said Big Hill Haven Fund Development & Public Relations Officer Tara McFadden.
“It worked out really well,” she said. “It was a great, great day. So many cool cars and so many cool people and a really good cause.”
Big Hill Haven has been working to ramp up it's fundraising all year to ensure they are able to meet the community's needs and grow their place in Cochrane, she said, and events like Cruz-4-Her are helping to keep the momentum building. In June the Ride4Her charity bike ride was held, raising $7,800 for Big Hill Haven.
Big Hill Haven is a critical cause to support, she said, because domestic violence is on the rise in Canada, and Cochrane is not immune. She added the recently released Town of Cochrane Social Recovery Task Force survey indicated that at least one per cent of people in Cochrane are concerned for their safety at home.
McFadden explained the trauma one experiences when living with domestic violence stays with them for a lifetime— While rippling out to affect their friends, family and community.
“It’s been really great to see the community is really prepared and they understand and are concerned too,” McFadden said. “It’s been demonstrated by all the different ways people have stepped up to help— This is made possible by the community's support.”
Founded in 2016, Big Hill Haven is actively working to address the lack of safe shelter and resources for women fleeing or living with domestic violence in the Cochrane area— This includes Cochrane, Morley, Bragg Creek, Redwood Meadows, Springbank and Ghost Village.
Altogether the non-profit serves a population of more than 50,000 with a wide range of supports that aim to help women and children overcoming the damaging effects of abuse or in need of a safe haven.
McFadden said she is grateful for the partnership between Cruise Cochrane, local Royal Lepage realtors through the Royal Lepage Shelter Foundation and Big Hill Haven for making the Cruz-4-Her possible. She added the event was sponsored by Spray Lake Sawmills and Cochrane Toyota.
Cruz-4-Her charity cruise organizer Jim Messner said it was a fantastic day for a ride and a great opportunity for Cruise Cochrane to give back to the community.
“The whole thing is driven by volunteers on both ends. It’s great to see a community like Cochrane, even though it’s growing, is still small enough and community-minded enough to pull together,” Messner said.
Cars rolled in well before the 10 a.m. departure time, Messner said, and all the car enthusiasts and bikers were thrilled to have a chance to support an important organization.
“I think when it comes to women and children we really want to be a part of helping that,” Messner said. “Two of the most important people in our lives are women and children."
