A great turnout for the Newcomers to Cochrane Night. 

Since 2016 the Cochrane Immigrant Services Committee has held the semi-annual gathering to introduce new people to our community, whether they are just new to town or are new to the country.

Event goers were provided with information about Cochrane as well as music, snacks, kids's activities and prizes. 

Singh Palwinder, better known as Paul, Volunteer Coordinator with the committee says families who just moved to Cochrane came out to the event.

He says "We have new families here. Last month I brought a family from the airport here and I'm glad they're here."

Paul says he hopes people left the event with a good feeling.

"A great experience and a good heart, a warm welcome and that they can tell a person that they know maybe at work or a relative and they might want to come to see how wonderful Cochrane is."

The committee formally presented its first scholarship last night as well. 

Jean Emperado is the first recipient to receive funding from the new scholarship program. 

She received the $250 scholarship and says "It's really great, I'm very grateful, very privileged to be the first one to get their very first scholarship." 

She is currently studying at Mount Royal University and will use the funds to help with day-to-day costs.

The committee hosts several other events throughout the year.

There's a fundraiser in March, a citizenship ceremony in August and then there will be a Culture Fest in the fall.

They also host Jingle and Mingle Over Soup on Christmas Day.