This Friday's Community BBQ Fundraiser for valued local causes will literally be making a splash... oodles of them.

Cochrane residents are invited to the first-ever event on the new green space next to The Station at the Cochrane Crossing on Railway St. on June 23 from 4 to 7 p.m.

The 2nd Annual Give a Little Love barbecue fundraiser, hosted by the Cochrane & Area United Way Partnership, has added a dunk tank to help raise additional funds to support nonprofit organizations addressing social needs within the community. 

"We have members of council, community leaders, and just passionate community members that have all stepped up and are willing to hopefully take a swim to help us raise some money," says Cochrane FCSS manager Kim Krawec.

She says there'll be tonnes of other activities for the whole family to enjoy.

The Cochrane Public Library has provided some life-size games, and members of the Cochrane Lions will be manning the barbecues and preparing food that will be available by donation.

New this year is an online auction that remains open until Sunday, June 25, 8 p.m.

"Several local businesses have stepped up and donated either products or services, so that's another way that we are looking to raise some additional funds."

You can check out and bid on the items here.

fundraising auction

"Every single dollar will remain in Cochrane, and it increases the amount of funding that we have available to give out to these groups that are working so hard to meet the needs of our community."

FCSS and the United Way have worked together for 24 years to support local initiatives. This year, $81,000 in grants were awarded to nine different organizations through this collaboration. Supported were Big Hill Haven, Victim Services, Cochrane Immigrant Services Committee, Cochrane Public Library, Cochrane Society for Housing Options, Helping Hands, Junior Achievement, Seniors for Kids, and the Variety Club.

"Many of these groups will be at the event to showcase their programs and services so people get a chance to learn about the amazing things that they're doing and actually see where this money is going and what it's helping."

Over the last five years, the partnership has contributed $365,000 to Cochrane causes.

Those unable to attend but wish to donate can find a link here.