Registration is now open to participate in 'Cruz-4-Her.'

Car enthusiasts are invited to shine up their hot rods, muscle cars and custom cars and trucks and join the Cruz-4-Her charity fundraiser that's taking place on August 15, 2020, in support of Big Hill Haven women's shelter. 

Local realtors Ken Morris of Royal LePage Integrity and Debbie Leah of Royal LePage Allstar have partnered up with Cruise Cochrane to help raise funds and awareness for the local Women's shelter.

The local realtors organized a charity motorcycle ride last month which raised $7,800 for Big Hill Haven. Ken Morris says that he had participated in a similar charity ride in B.C. last year which was a big success. Morris thought this would be a great fundraising initiative for the Cochrane area.

Jim Messner is the organizer for Cruise Cochrane. He participated in last month's Ride-4-Her event and saw an opportunity to plan another fundraiser, this time with participation from car enthusiasts.

Messner says that both Royal Lepage and Cruise Cochrane felt compelled to take a proactive approach in helping the much-needed women's shelter.

He says "Domestic violence is something none of us want to think about, but domestic violence cases have skyrocketed, expecting to rise 30 - 50%. Many women and children have no place to go, no safety net. Big Hill Haven fills this void. When we heard the call for help we decided we have to do something."

With a fundraising goal of $15, 000, the cruise is set to roll out on August 15 at 10 am. Tara McFadden is the Fund Development & Public Relations Officer for Big Hill Haven and she says that it's going to be an amazing day for car lovers to get their cars out. 

She says "The drive itself is going to leave Cochrane and head west down Highway 40 and over the Highwood Pass, and then we're going to have a wrap up in Black Diamond."

McFadden says that with a spike in domestic violence in Cochrane and the surrounding areas, the need and support for women and children fleeing domestic violence is also growing. She says that fundraising initiatives like this one are crucial in providing that support. 

 "We really appreciate the support of Royal LePage and Cruise Cochrane in raising awareness and funds for Big Hill Haven. The Cochrane RCMP reported over 550 spousal abuse incidents last year, which was an increase of 14% for the Town of Cochrane specifically. Sadly, domestic violence is a part of Cochrane’s reality. Fundraisers like 'Cruz-4-Her' help us to help women in need."

Participation is by donation and tax receipts will be issued. McFadden says that they are putting a maximum cap on participants to conform to public health and safety regulations, but there is still time to register.

She says "We just opened up registration the other day and with respect to COVID-19 restrictions and keeping everyone safe, we are capping it at 100 vehicles. Registration is by donation, so it's a commitment of a $50 donation which you can make through the website and there's a tax receipt for any donation over $20."

McFadden says that with 100 participants donating a minimum of $50 she's confident that this will be another successful fundraiser. She says all donations are there greatly appreciated and as an incentive, prizes will be awarded to participants raising the most funds.

McFadden says that there's still time to get involved. "If anybody wants to get involved whether to be a part of the cruise or to volunteer or to donate you can reach out they can get in touch with me at Big Hill Haven, or the 'Cruz-4-Her' Facebook page or directly to Cruise Cochrane."

Information and registration links can be found here

Big Hill Haven was founded in 2016 in order to address the lack of safe shelter and resources for women fleeing or living with domestic violence in Cochrane and area. This includes Cochrane, Morley, Bragg Creek, Redwood Meadows, Springbank, and Ghost Village, among other communities.

Big Hill Haven is looking to expand its operations and be able to provide housing solutions to women and children fleeing domestic violence.