Tis the season to meet some friendly new faces over a nice warm bowl of comfort.
The second annual Jingle and Mingle Over Soup will be taking place on Christmas Day at the Cochrane Alliance Church from 11:30 a.m.to 1:00 p.m. This soul warming event allows newcomers, not so newcomers and community members an opportunity to gather, to visit and to not be alone come the holidays.
The idea was created by a humble individual known as Paul Singh, who arrived in Cochrane in 2014. With the majority of restaurants closed on Christmas Day, and hardly knowing anyone seeing as he was relatively new to the community, Singh explained the happiest time of the year soon began to feel a little underwhelming.
It didn't take long before Singh would become a volunteer with Cochrane Immigrant Services Committee (CISC). A couple of years ago he mentioned having an event where people could congregate on Christmas Day and reflected upon his experience as an example.
"When we brought out the word to our committee they were very helpful and very optimistic that 'yes we should do something' so Christmas it's a festive season and I would say it brings together all people," expressed Singh.
Last year's event 39 individuals came out for soup and conversation on Christmas Day along with 40 volunteers. This goes to show that during this time of year nobody likes to be alone and knowing that there is something happening within the community can certainly lift the spirits of those feeling, what is it they say, "bah-humbug.""We want to make sure that there is a place for people to go," said Sandra Scott co-chair with CISC. "Don't be alone, come join in with us. We are creating community and we're having fun together."
This year the event will have three different kinds of soup which are being generously provided by two catering companies; Gourmet to-Go and Pat's Palate Pleasers. Cobs will be supplying bread and treats and there will also be cookies that will be freshly made by a volunteer group with Helping Hands.Small gift bags have been put together by volunteer members with (CISC) and those will be given out to any children that are at the event. Singh and Scott mentioned it's just a little something but it is the little things that put a smile on our faces.
"There's toys and gifts and some treats and they were all donated by the Cochrane Activettes, Canadian Tire and Safeway," said Scott.
So whether you are new to Cochrane, live in Cochrane and want to start a new tradition or simply just want a delicious bowl of soup while mingling with fellow Cochranites, don't miss Jingle and Mingle Over Soup at the Cochrane Alliance Church on Dec. 25.
"Just come out, even if you are free for half day just come out and say hello," said Singh.
If you are interested in volunteering reach out to [email protected].
