The year 2020 has challenged us in ways we thought unimaginable.

The global health crisis saw the entire world go into a lockdown, the closures of businesses, schools and the cancellation of all sports and events.

During a challenging year that continually put us to the test, a classic car group helped to raise the spirits of residents and funds for local organizations.

Car enthusiasts were given a positive distraction, with American hot rods, classics, and muscle cars of all makes and models cruising through Cochrane.

Jim Messner is the organizer of Cruise Cochrane and he says that with strict COVID guidelines in place, the group got out for a cruise most weekends. He says that the most memorable event for him was a parade that cruised by each of the seniors' facilities in Cochrane.

"We managed the best we could while staying compliant with all the AHS rules and we were able to do a lot of cruises," says Messner. "Some of my favourites when I look back were the retirement homes in Cochrane. Of course, a lot of them related to the older cars and it was really fun to see them out their windows and waving at us."

In addition to bringing smiles to the faces of seniors in the Cochrane community, Cruise Cochrane also helped to raise significant funds in support of the Big Hill Haven Women's shelter.

"That all started with an invitation earlier in the year to attend and rise with a motorcycle fundraiser for the shelter," says Messner. "Once that was developing we thought why not do one with Cruise Cochrane as well as see if we can raise even more funds?"

In total, the Ride 4 Her and Cruise 4 Her fundraisers raised over ten thousand dollars in support of Big Hill Haven, in a time when domestic violence was growing at an alarming rate. Helping the local shelter to expand their services and reach in Cochrane and the surrounding areas.

Messner says to stay tuned for more Cruise Cochrane events in 2021.