The Cochrane Immigrant Services Committee is hosting a get together over lunchtime on Christmas Day.

With a growing number of newcomers to the Cochrane area, Fleeha Ahmad, Co-Chair of Cochrane Immigrant Services Committee, says the group wishes to extend an invite to all community members who may find themselves alone on December 25th. "This was just a random idea brought forth because we figure there are a lot of newcomers new to Canada or newcomers to Cochrane and they may not have family or friends; so it would be nice that no has to eat alone on Christmas Day."

Being the first time the committee has hosted an event on Christmas Day, they have chosen to keep the concept nice and simple for this year. "We thought it may be too much because it's Christmas Day to get volunteers and service providers to come out so that is why we have kept it only for a short time from 11:30 to 1. We wanted to keep the time to after church and then just a couple of hours. We think that after a couple of hours of mingling, talking, and being out, it will help end a lonely day."

So far plans are coming together amazingly well and Ahmad is thrilled for all the support they have received thus far. With almost all volunteer positions filled, Ahmad shares the only thing really missing is a few gift items for attending children. "We are just looking for some donations for little gifts for children that are there, to cheer them up."

Initially thinking a December 25th gathering would attract only a handful of people, Ahmad states response has been incredibly positive. "We are thinking definitely between 130 to 150 and that has been the amazing part, especially with the volunteers and the staff helping out, it is turning into a beautiful event. That is the spirit of Cochrane, the community reaches out and embraces every idea and it makes it quite easy."

This year's menu will include soup made by Gourmet to Go, donated bread and sweet treats thanks to a Meal Team from Helping Hands. If all goes well, Ahmad says they will certainly look at expanding the event in the future. "This is going to be our initiation, let's see how it goes, and maybe next time with the soup we can add a turkey."

Jingle and Mingle will be hosted from 11:30 am to 1 pm at the Cochrane Alliance Church located at 902 Glenbow Drive. While the intent is not to turn anyone away, Ahmad suggests emailing either herself Fahmad@ccisab.ca or Sandra Scott with Helping Hand at assistant@helpinghandscochrane.ca to reserve a spot. If you would like to contribute to the event, Ahmad says they will gratefully accept any unwrapped gift donations for children at Cochrane's Family Community Support Services marked 'Jingle & Mingle'.