What was once just an idea is progressing thanks to a group of vested individuals who believe a women's emergency shelter is needed for the Cochrane community.

Margaret Van Tighem, Co-founder and board chair, for Big Hill Haven shares things are progressing and coming together.

While the society now has charitable status, the big push is to build awareness. "We started being at the Cochrane Farmers' Market, we've got a table there for four or five of the Saturday's that they are open. That is our mandate for this year is the awareness part. We're trying to get into as many community events as we can so that people know who we are and what we are about."

Van Tighem is happy to report that the community is very supportive of the idea. "People say this is something we need, this is important to get this up. How can I help?"

For those wishing to lend a hand, the push remains on building awareness and fundraising for monetary donations at this time. In order for plans to proceed, a needs assessment needs to be completed which will cost anywhere from $20,000 to $25,000. Van Tighem shares as soon as the funds are in, it is go time. "The needs assessment is what is driving us right now and as soon as we have a safe amount of money in the bank we'll do it."

A fundraiser is being planned for October 14, and Van Tighem is hopeful by that point the charitable organization will be able to hand out income tax chits which will help with securing more donations.

Cochrane Toyota has graciously offered office space to the society and Van Tighem shares they would love to find a volunteer to help them get set up.

"We need to get that up and running. There are three of us that are doing a lot of the administration stuff and we've had things in three different places so it will be really nice to have everything on one central area where we can access it."

If you would like to help the board or lend your expertise, you can email bighillhaven@gmail.com

The long range goal is to see a shelter in the Cochrane area in the next few years.