The second annual Newcomers night hosted more than 50 new residents to Cochrane and surrounding area, with individuals from Ethiopia, Iceland, California, Yellowknife, Bolivia, Philippines and Syria.
“This is a wonderful (event) they organized,” said Coun. Ross Watson, who joined in the welcoming party while noting in his introduction speech that Cochrane is a great community.
The second year was considered a success by organizers who hosted a variety of additional activities this year after feedback from the inaugural event last year.
“This year we have a kids area and activities for a variety of ages,” explained Candy Weisner, Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) programmer.
One of the activities was an all-ages icebreaker ‘Bingo’ with unique and quirky checkboxes including finding people that “sing in the shower.”
“Last year, there was also a comment saying we needed more food so we added more food this year – including Timbits, the official Canadian dish,” Weisner said with a laugh.
Attendees ranged from living in Cochrane for 30-plus years to people who moved to the community two weeks ago.
“We have a wonderful mix of newcomers – I just want to say thanks to our supporters and everyone who came out and thank you to the committee,” Weisner said.
The event was hosted by Cochrane’s Family and Community Support Services at the Nan Boothby Memorial Library with non-profit and services groups in the community offering information at different booths.
For more information on FCSS and the different events hosted in the community, go to cochrane.ca/160/Family-Community-Support-Services.
