Okotoks and Foothills County are welcoming Ukrainian newcomers to the community with open arms and big appetites.
Foothills Community Immigrant Services (FCIS) is hosting a potluck on Sunday, with the aim of developing relationships between community members, new and old.
"The purpose is for people to connect," said FCIS settlement counsellor Nancy Risdon.
Beginning at 1 p.m. July 17, Ukrainian families and fellow Okotokians will gather at the Rotary Picnic Area at Bill Robertson Park to break bread and get to know one another.
Okotoks Mayor Tanya Thorn, Foothills County Reeve Delilah Miller, Highwood MLA RJ Sigurdson and Foothills MP John Barlow are expected to attend the event.
Members of the public are welcome to attend, but are asked to bring along a family-sized food dish and serving utensil, lawn chairs or a blanket to sit on, an umbrella for shade, and sunscreen and bug spray.
Individuals can bring along food for themselves and their family if they are not comfortable participating in the potluck.
The hope is that new Okotokians can have a chance to meet, as will their host families and anyone else in the community looking to introduce themselves or lend a hand.
