It was definitely a monumental weekend in Cochrane. What started as a dreary, rain-soaked and chilly morning in the community transformed into a bright, sunny afternoon.
It was definitely a monumental weekend in Cochrane.
What started as a dreary, rain-soaked and chilly morning in the community transformed into a bright, sunny afternoon. The afternoon weather was a perfect reflection of this year's Monumental Tournament of Aces, where participants dressed in funky and colourful garb, raced from station to station at the Links of GlenEagles Golf Course.
It was also reflective of the community spirit that propelled one of Cochrane's biggest fundraising events to a sum of $75,000 that will go toward assisting two important and very different community initiatives.
A little more than half of those funds will go toward helping to save lives in the region. Cochrane Search and Rescue will utilize its $40,000 share to upgrade its systems, buy safety equipment and provide additional training.
That money will go a long way in assisting Cochrane Search and Rescue in its goal to save lives while also keeping its members safe in the field.
The second recipient will receive the remainder of the funds to give community children a place to play.
Rancheview School's Playground Project Society will come $35,000 closer to its $300,000 goal of building the school a safe place for children to play and be social.
Not only will that help add to the overall pleasant atmosphere of the facility, it will also help foster student development.
The tournament - along with the many other recent fundraisers in town - speaks volumes about the generosity of the Cochrane community.
Despite turbulent economic times, fundraisers throughout the community and the region have done exceptionally, almost surprisingly, well.
Even though the Lindsay Leigh Kimmett Memorial Foundation had a few extra expenses due to a decrease in sponsors from the oil and gas sector, the Monumental Tournament of Aces was a mere $1,000 short of last year's total.
Other fundraisers, such as one for Shelly Irmen, a Cochrane mother with MS raising money to help her access stem cell treatment, raised nearly $10,000.
The food bank, humane society, the Boys and Girls Club, and Big Brother Big Sister have also done well during what many consider lean times.
Each of these events' success is a testament to the community spirit that flourishes here in Cochrane and in Alberta as a whole.
Despite the struggles we all face right now, it is incredible to see that it has not diminished our willingness to help others in need.
