COCHRANE— Fostering community connections and positivity, a Cochrane restaurant has fundraised more than $500 to provide support for the Boys and Girls Club of Cochrane and Area.
Donating a dollar from every meal sold over the Mother’s Day weekend, Mehtab East Indian Cuisine raised $513 for The Boys and Girls Club of Cochrane and Area, said owner Jag Thind.
“It went really, really well,” Thind said.
The initiative was designed to spread positive vibes in the community, he said. Thind added it is always a great experience supporting local non-profits.
Mehtab takes pride in assisting different non-profits in town and has supported the Cochrane Food Bank in the past.
“It’s always a good thing to be involved,” Thind said.
He added youth have been especially hard-hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and it was important offering a show of support to the club.
The Boys and Girls Club is an important community hub for Cochrane young people and is a place that fosters connections and friendships. Thind added the club has pivoted to offer positive events and programming for youth during the pandemic.
“It’s a great thing,” Thind said.
It is more important than ever to preserve community connections and he hopes Cochranites continue to do what they do best— Look after their neighbours.
“It gives positivity out, positive things are going on,” Thind said.
While there are still public health measures in place, there is a light at the end of the tunnel and he hopes businesses and community members struggling under the weight of the COVID-19 pandemic can maintain positive mental health.
Boys and Girls Club executive director Jill Bilodeau said the donation from Mehtab was a welcomed boost for the club.
"Jag from Mehtab has been such a big supporter in the community, and we are thrilled to have his latest fundraiser come to Boys and Girls Club of Cochrane and Area. During this time of COVID, we have been unable to fundraise, so these types of events have a huge impact on our club,” Bilodeau said.
The club is hoping to host its annual stampede pancake breakfast, she said, depending on provincial public health restrictions in place. If permitted the breakfast will be in the form of a drive-thru or outdoor event.
“During COVID, our youth team has worked hard and brought creative ideas to keep the teens engaged through virtual programming, but everyone is ready for some in-person programming,” Bilodeau said. “The team has been working on some fun and exciting ideas for the summer and the funds raised will help make that happen.”
