To help welcome and introduce newcomers from around the world to the community, the Cochrane Immigrant Services Committee (CISC) plans to host their 8th annual “Leaves Abound from All Around” celebration on Oct. 18.
The free, family-friendly event will take place at the Cochrane Alliance Church from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. CISC executive director, Penelope Archer, said the event is meant to welcome newcomers and immigrants to Cochrane while giving them the chance to familiarize themselves with the resources and services located in town.
“The symbolism behind ‘Leaves Abound from All Around’ is that the leaves represent the people, and that there are people moving from all over the world that have chosen Cochrane as their home,” Archer said. “And so, the event is meant to welcome them.”
By having community groups and new members of the community In the same location, Archer said it gives both groups the chance to learn more about the different services in a more casual setting.
“If they have any questions about some of their services, they can ask right then and there,” Archer said. “If they have food security issues, they can ask about how to get access to a food hamper.
“Helping Hands will be on site and maybe we have newcomers and immigrants that don’t have transportation for medical appointments, and Helping Hands can talk about the services that would be available to help them get to their appointments.”
Another advantage from the event Archer added is that it gives new Cochranites to meet and make new friends in the community.
“And the main thing being though, is that we want to make them feel welcome and give them a sense of belonging,” Archer said. “And to know that Cochrane is a welcoming community.”
In her thoughts as the executive director for CISC, Archer said the main goal of bringing events like this to the community is to fulfil their mandate of providing all newcomers a sense of belonging, while also promoting inclusivity in Cochrane.
“We want to help them feel settled,” she said. “It’s sometimes the culture shock of coming from another country, and this event is meant to help break the ice and let them know that there are people who are willing to help them feel welcome.
“We’re doing this in conjunction with community groups as well, just showing how welcoming Cochrane is.”
With the event less than a week away, Archer said she would like to extend a special thanks to all the partners that made this event possible.
