To ensure no Cochranite is feeling left out of the holiday spirit, the Cochrane Immigrant Services Committee (CISC) returns with their annual Jingle Mingle celebration on Christmas Day.
From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the CISC will host members of the community at the Cochrane Alliance Church for a free hearty soup lunch and treats on Dec. 25.
Board member for the CISC, Paul Singh, said the event dates back to 2018 and was created to ensure that no one in the community eats alone on Christmas Day.
“Let’s say you’re from another part of the world or you’re alone, most of the town is closed on Christmas,” Singh said. “So, we though - what should we do as Cochranites? And we came up with the idea of Jingle Mingle, that you just come here, have a bowl of soup, some coffee, and meet new friends.”
Singh outlines that everyone is welcome to the event. With different circumstances for everybody in the community, he said that this gives members of the community the chance to connect with one another.
“The whole idea of this event was to meet other people,” Singh said. “Even if you don’t want to talk to other people, just come have a bowl of soup.”
Families are invited to bring their kids to the event as Singh added there are activities, treats, and even a secret special guest who will be attending the event.
“It’s very important that it’s the holiday season, and we don’t want anyone to feel like they’re left alone,” Singh said. “It’s open to everybody, [and] anybody can come and attend the event.”
As the community slowly approaches Christmas, Singh said he encourages everyone who is interested in attending to drop by for a meal with the CISC and other members of the community.
“Even if you don’t want a bowl of soup, come say hi to the people who are away from their home, who will feel loved, and who will appreciate that,” he said. “There will be people from the CISC as well, who’ll welcome them wholeheartedly.”
Singh said he would like to say thank you to all their sponsors, alongside Gourmet to Go for providing soup for the event since their first year. He would also like to extend a special thanks to all the volunteers and people who plan to attend.
“Thank you for making this happen,” he said.
Although registration for the event is not necessary, those interested in doing so or learning more about the event can find more information by emailing [email protected].
