Big Hill Haven Women's Shelter received a very sizeable donation to their capital funding Wednesday, February 5, from the Cochrane Lions Club. Keith Garner, chair, Ways and Means Committee for the Lions presented a $10,000 cheque to Tara McFadden and Faith Brace of Big Hill Haven Women's Shelter.  

Keith Garner said: "The Cochrane Lions Club recognizes the importance of this much needed local Women's Shelter and is pleased to be able to make this donation."

Tara McFadden, Fund Development & Public Relations Officer responded, "The Cochrane Lions are all about making a difference. Big Hill Haven's vision is to ensure our community is free of domestic violence. We are very grateful for this donation and the Cochrane Lions' ongoing support of making a difference in the lives of women and families struggling with domestic violence."

The Cochrane Lions was established in Cochrane in 1964. It continues to live up to its motto, "We Serve" by being a major contributor to such important community facilities like Big Hill Haven. Garner says that the Lions collect revenue funds from Bow RiverEdge Campground (that was created and run jointly by the Lions and Rotary Club), rent from the Lions Event Centre, the Labour Day Rodeo, and the Lions food trailer among other various events. In turn, they are able to donate money to worthy causes. 

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. Over the last 18 months, Big Hill Haven has assisted more than 150 women and children living with domestic violence. 

On Wednesday, two very important groups came together to help those in need in Cochrane and area. McFadden said it well, "A lot of great things are being done in partnerships like this."

For more information regarding the Cochrane Lions Club click here 

For more information regarding Big Hill Haven Women's Shelter click here