A very popular event is starting this week as the Community Lunch Program is making its return following a pandemic hiatus. 

Once again, everyone is welcome to attend a free Community Lunch at St. Andrew’s United Church, at 128 1st St. E., Tuesday, September 20 starting at 12 noon. The program will continue to run every Tuesday until the end of May.  

Community members are invited to enjoy a bowl of soup with a bun and a sweet treat while creating friendships and connections.  

Mary Magee, the lunch coordinator says, “It is really all about building community." The Community Lunch Program is an opportunity for anyone to partake in a free shared meal.

Prior to the pandemic, the Community Lunch Program was extremely popular under the leadership of Reverend Ray Goodship, at times seeing as many as 80 people sit down to lunch. Although the reverend has since retired, the goal is to continue the tradition under the tutelage of the new minister, Reverend Matthew Heesing. 

The Community Lunch Program is made possible through sponsors and volunteers and additional help is always more than welcome. There is an opportunity to provide financial sponsorship or hands-on volunteering on the day of the lunch. The program typically requires four people to arrive Tuesday morning at 10 a.m. to prepare the soup, get everything ready to serve it up, and then clean up afterward.

If you choose to provide a financial donation a tax receipt will be issued. If you are able to help in any way you are invited to contact the church at 403-932-2585. 

Cobbs Bakery has already signed on to supply the buns for lunch. 

For more information on supporting the program, you can email office.cochraneunited@gmail.com.