The Bow RiversEdge Campground Society (BRECS) is closing in on returning $1 million to the community from profits of their popular RV destination.

On Oct. 11, the model nonprofit organization presented a total of $50,000 in grants to 15 community groups gathered at the Cochrane Lions Events Centre. Current chair Bob Smid says over the years they have now returned $950,000 to the community.

Armed with a fistful of cheques, Smid had each recipient stand and say a few words about their organization and how the funds would be utilized to support their causes.

The show and tell was revealing. It displayed both the depth of worthy causes in the community and the important role BRECS plays in providing support.

BRECS is a joint initiative of the Cochrane Rotary and Cochrane Lions Club. In 2004, the two service clubs joined forces to develop the RV campground in cooperation with Rocky View County and the Town of Cochrane. The chairmanship is rotated annually between the two clubs.

Every year the proceeds from the campground are distributed back into the community through grants and bursaries for community-based organizations.

Beyond these annual grants, the society has extended a helping hand in extenuating circumstances. When Fort McMurray was devastated by wildfire in 2016, they were quick to donate $50,000. During this summer’s heat wave they offered free admission to the spray park at SLS Family Sports Centre on select days. They were also the first organization to donate a golf cart to the Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation for their popular park tours. These are just a few examples.

Bow RiversEdge continues to offer quality RV camping at its location by the Bow River that’s adjacent to the SLS Family Sports Centre. It is also home to summer bocce play.

Currently, BRECS is finalizing the purchase of its 12-acre property from Rocky View County. Previous to that, RVC leased the land to BRECS for $1 per year.

This year’s Grant recipients:

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

Boy 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