Tomorrow (June 30) is a special day for Cochrane's Filipino community.

With the House of Commons unanimously voting that June be designated as Filipino Heritage Month across the country on October 30th of 2018, the Filipino-Canadian Association of Cochrane, Alberta (FCACA) decided to host the 'Summer Saya' in the Cochrane Ranche Historic Park to celebrate. 

Caroline Barclay, says their summer fun event will include games, food, a clean up of the park, and an Officer Induction Ceremony hosted by Cochrane Mayor Jeff Genung. While the event is mainly for our town's Filipino community, Barclay says all Cochranites are invited to share in the celebration. "I know that the Filipino community here has already been recognized, but we would like to let the Cochrane community know that we do have a heritage month every June and we are planning on doing this every year."

"We want to give back to the community. We are here, and even though we are a visible minority, we want to be more visible by giving back to the overall community."

Wanting to be inclusive and part of the Cochrane community, Barclay shares that they are hoping people reach out to them. "If we could partner with other communities or Council here we could serve more people, especially, those that are new. We are very hospitable, we are very friendly, always wanting to be able to help, we would like to be involved."

With a sense of belongingness being a huge priority for the Filipino community, shares Barclay. they extend an invitation to groups in need. "We are so blessed to be living here in Cochrane. I have been to different places in Canada, but it is like we're family here."

Barclay feels Town Council is supportive of an inclusive community. 'We think the Town of Cochrane is doing its best to help newcomers, which is so good, and we're just trying to be part of that.

The event starts at noon with Zumba, a short program at 1 in the afternoon, and followed by a picnic, games, videoke, and the awarding of the logo winner.

 

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