Imagine you're at your staff Christmas party and it's interrupted by a person describing a vehicle that belongs to you. Imagine that same vehicle has just had its four tires slashed and is sitting undrivable in the parking lot.

Denise Brochu doesn't have to use her imagination; it happened to her and she desperately wants to know if it was a targeted attack.

On Sat. Dec. 16, she was enjoying her staff Christmas party and checking out the new Locked Rooms at the Rockyview Hotel when she got the bad news that all four tires on her 11-year-old dark blue S80 Volvo had been slashed. It is believed to have occurred around 8:30 to 8:45 p.m. in the well-lit parking lot on 2nd Ave. W. in the Historic Downtown. and her car alarm sounded.

She has parked half a block away from there for work for 15 years and never had a problem.

"The police think it was targeted because it was so specific," she explains, pointing out there were much more luxurious cars in the lot. "I’m a physiotherapist and yoga teacher and I help people’s pain and help them function, I don’t know who would be mad at me."

On the advise of the RCMP, the longtime Cochranite posted the incident on her Facebook page and as of yet no witnesses have stepped forward. But she's hopeful they will.

"I’m a single mom and if it was targeted that’s even more frightening, so I’d really like peace of mind to know if it was a random act and not maliciously planned or targeted. If it was, it’s very concerning. "

It is uncommon for vehicle vandalism of this magnitude to occur in Cochrane, but what continues to shine through is how quickly people offer to lend a hand, even when it's unsolicited. Nick Beeby and JJ Ludwig, of the hotel, whom she hadn't previously met, took action. They phoned the RCMP and Beeby fetched her all seasons and changed out all four tires while keeping Brochu entertained,

"Nick did a great job. He didn’t complain once about the cold. He was nothing but happy to help and he was so kind and gracious."

"This small business went above and beyond not just for our fabulous staff Christmas party but helping me out after. They provided unbelievable customer service and I'm super grateful for them leaving me with a working vehicle."

When Dawn-Marie Cinnamon got wind of the tire slashing, she and her husband Larry found a generous deal from a local car dealership and put on the winter tires, just ahead of the forecasted snowfall.

"Larry put on the new winter tires on Monday and returned my vehicle washed! His kindness and the generosity of the local car dealership was unbelievably amazing. I cannot express enough my sincere gratitude for all the help I received."

That's the Cochrane spirit she has known and treasured for many years.

"I absolutely love Cochrane. I didn’t ask for help but people just stepped up and helped me out."

"This is another example of Cochrane rallying behind someone. It’s a blessing. If this had happened in Calgary I would be just another number."

She'd like to hear from anyone who may have information on the tire slashing and they can contact her through her Facebook page. She also suggests they pass the information along to the Cochrane RCMP (403-851-8000) or contact Crimestoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.