Community groups shared $60,000 in grant funding thanks to a local campground, and its big moves don’t stop there. BowRivers Edge Campground Society (BRECS), a joint organization between the Cochrane Lions Club and the Rotary Club of Cochrane, has returned almost $1 million to the community over the years and soon it will purchase its own land. Bob Smid, chair of BRECS this year, said the campground currently leases land through Rocky View County. However, the chance of not getting renewal of the land is too risky, so BRECS, with help from the Lions and Rotary, will purchase the land it sits on in an upcoming deal. Smid said he can’t reveal how much the land will cost other than that it’s a “pricey purchase” but that BRECS has enough to cover the full cost. “It’s just something that we’ve decided to do so we don’t have to worry about our lease going down and then us not having the place and then not having anything at all to give back to the community,” Smid said. Last year, the society gave nearly $125, 000 to the community, including sending $50,000 to Fort McMurray as the northern community continued its recovery from the wildfires. Smid said he couldn’t estimate BRECS’ annual income but according to its webpage, it costs between $45 to $50 per night to stay at the campground, though it does need to cover its own expenses and capital costs. This year, there were approximately 29 applicants for the funding and 17 recipients. “I felt good, we looked after everybody that we thought needed it and that money can only go so far so we just have to pick and choose that way,” Smid said. 2018 grant beneficiaries: The recipients of this year’s grants were: Junior Achievement Southern Alberta Cochrane Historical Archival Preservation Society Bow Valley High School - Athletics Cochrane Minor Ball Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre Cochrane Bethany Family Council Boys and Girls Club of Cochrane and Area Cochrane Activettes Cochrane Rotary Youth Talent Festival Cochrane Lions - Family Christmas Concert Cochrane Public Library Seniors on the Bow Cochrane Victim Services Helping Hands Society of Cochrane and Area Cochrane Integrated Arts Society Friends of Spirit Winds Cochrane Hospice
