In the early goings of the Cochrane Historical Museum cleanup, a representative of Fortis Alberta dropped by unexpectedly and made a commitment to make a financial contribution.

True to their word, a donation of $1,500 was presented to the Cochrane Historical Archival Preservation Society (CHAPS) this week.

CHAPS president Larry Want says the donation is much appreciated and is another step towards raising funds for what is anticipated to cost up to $48,000 to repair.

"Every penny certainly helps," says Want.

Darryl Pederson, Fortis Alberta's Stakeholder Relations supervisor, says Fortis Alberta has a variety of different community investment programs in addition to providing funds in one-off situations like this.

"In this case here when mother nature crept in and unfortunately did some damage to their facilities we discussed it internally and thought it would be a good opportunity to reach out and help in an unfortunate time of unforeseen circumstances."

Want says about $15,000 has now been raised towards the cost of repairing damage caused by a freak flooding of Bighill Creek overnight on Mar. 23-24. Among those monies raised was a $10,000 donation from the Totem Charitable Foundation that was presented at CHAPS annual spring fundraising dinner.

CHAPS recently received from good news from Greg Bruins, of Riverbend Interiors Floors & Decor, of Cochrane, who installed the original flooring. Both Riverbend Interiors and their supplier are providing the replacement flooring and installation at cost. 

Other donations have been received and all are appreciated. Still, CHAPS remains well short of the funds required to complete the repairs.

In the meantime, CHAPS is finalizing arrangements to have the repairs completed but have been advised to give the basement more time to thoroughly dry. 

Fortis also recently donated a $5,000 Save Energy Grant to the Sustainable Development Committee of Cochrane High towards the installation of a 50 kW photovoltaic (solar) system on the school's gymnasium roof. The power produced is anticipated to offset 8.5 per cent of the school’s annual consumption, which is equivalent to servicing seven average Cochrane households.