Everyone can share in the season’s greetings with the return of the Cochrane Immigrant Service Committee’s (CISC) annual "Jingle Mingle" event, set for Christmas Day.
This year’s event will be returning to the Cochrane Alliance Church on Dec. 25, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Entry is free, and everyone is welcome to drop by.
CISC ambassador Paul Singh explained that this will be the seventh year that they will be hosting the event, adding that it has always been a success with residents who usually spend the holidays alone, or away from family.
“The idea was to bring everybody together under one roof and celebrate the big day together,” Singh said. “We don’t want anyone to be left out, and we also want everyone to feel welcome.”
With many businesses in town closed on Christmas Day, Singh said that the event gives new families, seniors, and people in town the chance to get out and socialize with the community.
“We have 70 to 80 people showing up there,” he said. “Like newcomers, families, seniors, and even people from different parts of the country.”
In terms of the event itself, Singh explains that all guests enjoy a warm meal, alongside other gifts and goodies that will be available throughout the event. He adds that public dignitaries are also expected to make an appearance. Additionally, a very special surprise guest will be visiting the event for all the children in attendance.
“I would encourage and request everybody to please come and help celebrate the event, and to see and meet new people,” he said. “Meet your fellow Cochranites and let’s celebrate together.”
Singh said he would like to thank the CISC for helping organize this event, the work of all the volunteers to bring Jingle Mingle back to the community, and all of the key partners and sponsors who continue to support the event.
“I want to thank everybody who was involved, whether it was an hour or half-an-hour, or whichever way they were involved,” he said. “We couldn’t have done this without them.”
