The Cochrane Immigrant Services Committee (CISC) are inviting locals to beat the heat, while also supporting a cause with an ice-cold treat, at their Ice Cream Fundraiser on July 29.
From noon to 5 p.m., residents are invited to drop by Abbey’s Creations Ice Cream on 519 1st Street W, to purchase ice cream served by CISC volunteers. A portion of each sale will be donated to the CISC.
President of the CISC, Kristina Kindree, said the organization is fully made up of volunteers who are passionate about the work they do in Cochrane.
“We are a very, very passionate group of people working to support the settlement of newcomers in Cochrane,” Kindree said. “We envision Cochrane as the place where all the immigrants and newcomers are welcome, engage, and can . . . be involved in all aspects of community life, and also have access to services that they need in order to pursue that goal.”
The initiative is aimed to support CISC activities, which can allow the organization to both help newcomers arriving to Cochrane, and promote diversity and inclusion in town through free events for the community to enjoy.
“For example, a big event, which is our annual event, is called Culture Fest,” Kindree explained. “So, this year, it’s going to be on Sept. 9, and again, this is event is a 100 per cent free cultural event, which last year we had over 600 people who visited.
“It’s a free event, so we definitely have to raise money in order to host an event like that.”
The idea to partner with a local business came from two CISC board members, who gained full support from the committee as a way to raise money through a fun and engaging event, that in turn partners with local businesses.
“I think it really shows that our board members and volunteers are always keeping the CISC In their heart and mind, and always think about how we can help the community, how we can help newcomers, and also help local businesses,” Kindree said.
Overall, Kindree said the upcoming event is a great way to not only raise money for their cause, but to also recognize and support local businesses in Cochrane.
“The impact that we made from engagement with the people of Cochrane and agencies are very positive, [it’s] confirmed by the participation that we received at our events throughout the year,” she said.
Kindree would like to give a special thanks to Abbey’s Creations Ice Cream Cochrane, and all members of the CISC who helped bring this fundraiser to fruition.
“They were very willing to work with us,” Kindree said. “It’s kind of a win-win situation, but again, you still need that kind of willingness to work together and to hold a such an event for the community.
“And thank you to all the board members and volunteers for CISC as well, [because] without them we would not have the CISC.”
