The Cochrane Immigrant Services Committee (CISC) is going online for its 2nd annual appetizer and silent auction fundraiser.

Being held in partnership with Mehtab East Indian Cuisine, advance orders can now be ordered for the appetizer box. The boxes are $20 ea. and orders will be accepted until Mar. 2. A vegetarian option is available upon request.

Those who purchase an appetizer box have a chance to win a door prize, plus they get a sneak peek at the numerous silent auction items up for bids.

Between 5 and 7 p.m. on Mar. 3, the appetizer boxes can be picked upon from Mehtab, #2008, 120 5th Ave. At 7 p.m. that same evening the auction goes live on the committee's Facebook page and remains open until Mar. 10.

Candy Weisner, of the committee, says bidding for the silent auction items is open to everyone 

"You don't have the have an appetizer box--we're encouraging it, and, of course, it's delicious from Mehtabs--but if you don't, you can still take part, and spread the word near and far to other people."

While not being able to gather like during last year's inaugural event, there is a potential upside.

"We're going to very much miss the interaction of being together, but, in a way, this might be more successful because we might get people involved," says Weisner.

Bidding will take place on about a dozen items. Those wishing to donate items still have time to do so by reaching out to the committee or contact Weisner directly at 587-969-4954.

Proceeds from the event assist with the numerous events and projects of CISC.

"Throughout COVID, we have still kept up our pace," says Weisner. "We still had an awful lot of events and projects."

They've just completed their Family Day photo contest, and it wasn't that long ago that their annual Mingle Jingle brought joy to many residents on Christmas Day.

Next month they begin their initial planning for their third annual Culture Fest this fall.

To book your appetizer orders, click here.