COLD LAKE - The Lakeland Centre for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) in Cold Lake hosted its 12th annual Mocktail Challenge, which also included a free community barbecue, to mark International FASD Day on Sept. 9.
“September is FASD Awareness Month, and today is International FASD Day. It is where we provide awareness for fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and promote healthy pregnancies,” said Lisa Murphy, Executive Director of the Lakeland Centre for FASD.
The event in Cold Lake was one of several taking place across the Lakeland region, with similar gatherings in St. Paul, Bonnyville, and Lac La Biche held throughout the month.
Murphy emphasized the importance of community involvement, stating, “We get involved with the community because we find that being community partners is really important. And so, we often come together to support our clients. This is a really fun way to get the awareness out and have participation.”
The Mocktail Challenge has been a Cold Lake tradition for 12 years. The event encourages local organizations to compete to create the best alcohol-free beverage.
“We have great community participation where they can enter, groups can enter in to make a mocktail,” Murphy said. “And we do it as a challenge so people can win a prize at the end, depending on how good it is. And they're always tasty.”
Cold Lake Mayor Craig Copeland, a long-time supporter of the event, served as one of the judges.
“I think I’ve been involved with the Mocktail Challenge for quite a few years here, and I think this year looks the best ever,” he said. The judging panel also included Audrey McFarlane, the previous executive director for the Lakeland Centre for FASD, Kim Foisy from Canadian Natural Resources Limited (CNRL), and Bonnyville-Cold Lake-St. Paul MLA Scott Cyr.
During the event, Murphy expressed gratitude for the community’s support over the years.
“As the executive director of the Lakeland Centre for FASD, I couldn’t be prouder to see so many of you here today showing your dedication and support for healthy pregnancies and FASD awareness. Today is not just about awareness, it’s also about celebrating the strength and resiliency of our community.”
The Mocktail Challenge winners were announced at the end of the event, with Dragonfly Counseling and Support Centre taking first place, followed by Stepping Stones Crisis Society in second place, and New Dawn Métis Women's Society in third place.
Murphy encouraged participation in upcoming events taking place in Bonnyville on Sept. 16 and Lac La Biche on Sept. 23, for those who missed the Cold Lake gathering.
