Innisfailians of all ages turned out to sign up and become part of the town's community activity mosaic.
Encompassing 58 Innisfail and area organizations, the evening included sports teams, service clubs, family and youth organizations, church groups, health-related associations, and catering, as well as entertainment companies looking for members or opportunities to serve.
“The turnout was very good,” said Eileen Reid, volunteer coordinator for Innisfail's Family and Community Support Services (FCSS). “This year we used the whole arena area but last year we had just half, so it feels less crowded, but we have more space for people to wander and connect with their neighbours.”
Reid noted that feedback from the 50-plus organizations was good and they felt the evening was successful.
“For Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Innisfail, registration night was a good time to reconnect after a summer away for me as a supervisor,” said Lucille Paquette-Lohman, mentoring coordinator. “It was good to see the kids out, and we did get two new families and two possible teen mentors. It gives the community the opportunity to ask questions.”
Innisfail's Brandy Lucas brought her son, Jaden, to the evening to register for minor hockey.
“I might even try to put my daughter into beginning skating too,” said Lucas of her energetic preschooler.
A new entry into Innisfail's recreational mosaic was the Indoor Soccer League that is run by Natasha Kuchera.
“My son is a soccer fiend, so I decided to set up an indoor U-10 team in Innisfail,” said Kuchera. “We would play games against Red Deer, Lacombe and Blackfalds if we get enough kids.”
New Innisfail citizens, Kimball, Audrey and Ludwig Berquist, came to the evening to find out what Innisfail had to offer them.
“We just moved from Saskatoon to town and have purchased a home already,” said Kimball. “This is a great way to find out what the town can offer our family. We will be looking at starting or building some kind of business and becoming part of the community.”
For citizens who missed the evening, contact Reid at the FCSS office at 403-227-7744 for information on activities and opportunities to serve the community.
