Reminiscence
A reminisce, a look ahead, and a sincere thanks to all
How it all Started?
In the cosmopolitan City of Edmonton, five men who missed their past cricket life decided to play cricket. This very casual idea of theirs was perhaps influenced by the powerful cosmic forces hovering at that moment. That idea soon grew up like a prodigy fetus and started attracting concurring individuals from various backgrounds. Soon in 2008 itself these friends formed a cricket team; registered as a cricket club. We played our first cricket match in Edmonton Cricket League in the summer of 2008.
Our trailblazers and thought leaders of that time were not just focused on the game of cricket they had a passion to give back to the community in Edmonton. For us the game of cricket became an avenue to utilize our resources and at the same time a platform for our friends and family to collaborate and give back to Edmontonians.
This led to further collaboration and the evolution of a collective powerful energy to kindle the need to spread this happiness to others and propelled family-oriented outings, picnics, and barbecues. The club meetings gained more momentum; began lamenting about the unfortunate and the disadvantaged members of our society. This collective emotion led to the metamorphosis of 'Friends Sports Club' into the 'Cosmopolitan Club' with a vision that is still growing with the vitality of phoenix.
We tried to identify our own profile. It was simple. If you are hardworking by nature; progressive in outlook and willing to adopt creative ideas; believe in being productive and spare your valuable time for the benefit of others, you are a good fit to be a Cosmopolitan member.
Evolution of ECCSF
Though the idea of helping and giving back to the community existed since biblical times, not for profit organizations have a much shorter history. Our Organization was formed ten years ago and has been growing in membership with like-minded people from different walks of life. In 2010 we started focusing on the welfare aspects of youths and women in our society. We believe in associating with other charitable and non-governmental agencies whenever desirable to get things done better, faster, and responsibly. Cosmopolitans uphold pragmatic dynamism along with leisurely entertainment.
Edmonton Cosmopolitans Community Services Foundation(ECCSF) is a registered not for profit organization serving the community in Edmonton, Alberta. We are actively engaged in social activities such as blood donations (we are designated “Partners for Life” with Canadian Blood Services), Partners with Food Bank, Supports the YESS foundation (Working for the Youth in Edmonton), Jasper Wellness center for the Homeless and many more.
Our volunteers at Jasper Place- Health and Wellness Centre in 2009
Our volunteers at one of our Blood Donation Event (2016)
On March 13th, 2010 we conducted a fundraiser for Youth Emergency Shelter Society(YESS). This was a banquet dinner along with Multi-Cultural Programs and silent auction. This unique fundraising event was a grand success. Together with our supporters and sponsors we were able to make a difference to the lives of youths at risk in Edmonton.
Currently, we have more than fifty passionate members who actively take part in our organization’s activities. We are unique among the not for profit organizations operating out of our City of Edmonton owing to the wider scope of this organization. Identifying cricket as a ‘gentle’ game of discipline and firm structure, it was easy for the members to spread the scope of functioning beyond cricket to several progressive activities for the community.
The Way We Were, The Way We Are and The Way We will be
Over the last few years our organization attracted young and vibrant professionals to hold arms together to feel for the disadvantaged and underprivileged in our City through the medium of recreational sports and games. Attracting the youth in an inclusive manner is exercised through our variety of volunteering and charitable activities spread across an undefined spectrum. Almost all the members are employed full time with other roles and responsibilities. We have proven over and again our commitment to the community’s needs by sparing our time and effort. Every year since inception we have been donating blood, collaborating with Edmonton Food Bank.
Our leaders with varied experience including professional project management are searching for diverse opportunities to serve and collaborate with compatible charitable groups and NGO’s alongside the City of Edmonton and Alberta Government.
In May 2017 we collaborated with value Village and conducted a FUNDrive by donating gently used clothes, accessories, books, and household items. A community event that promotes reuse and recycling. FUNDrives are a simple and profitable way for our organization to raise funds by doing good. Every year we do bottle drives a community event that promotes reuse and recycling. For the past few years we have been collaborating with Edmonton Movie Club in promoting and supporting Independent/Regional Cinema from India.
The Road Ahead
2018 is our 10th anniversary and we are excited about our accomplishments so far.
We believe in the motto, “Sport for Social Development”. From 2015 onwards to offer our services to kids and adults alike, we have been conducting “Edmonton Cosmopolitans Mela(ECM)”. Owing to the huge success of our inaugural event in 2015, we decided to make this an annual affair during summer. Our 2016 event was a grand success as well.
2015 and 2016 Edmonton Cosmopolitans Mela Event Organizers
Since 2017, ECM has been a two-day event displaying multiple activities for both kids and family members in our community. Our ECM 2017 was a grand success. We conducted Kids Soccer camp and tournament in conjunction with ECM. Revolutionizing youth soccer, a fundamental soccer camp followed by a tournament aimed at children between the age of 6-10. The emphasis of this event was to generate funds to give back something to our community. We were graciously supported in this cause by sponsors from various walks of life. Our own members prepared delicious food, organized exciting games and prizes for families and kids.
The "Kids soccer camp and tournament" held on August 12, 2017 was attended by about 100 people. The event had three teams of energetic and excited kids. The day started off with a nutrition and stretch and flex class by "Fit on 45th" owner Rebecca Golberg, emphasizing on the importance of eating right and stretching your muscles before any physical activity. It was followed by two games of soccer for each team. We decided not to keep scores as the aim of the event was to provide an opportunity for the kids to experience an outdoor sport and understand the importance of physical activities. Our sponsors (Save on Foods, Servus, 1000 Spices, Ganotec Inc. and West Edmonton Mall) were kind enough to provide us enough funds to provide free fruits, water, and juices to all who attended the soccer camp and tournament. Every kid who took part in the camp was awarded a certificate of participation and gifts worth $75.
The "Softball Cricket and Tug of War Tournament" held on August 13, 2017 was attended by about 400 people. At any point of time, the event had more than 250 people either watching the tournament or helping themselves to the spicy and delicious South Indian dishes served by 1000 Spices at the event location.
2018 Edmonton Cosmopolitans Mela Event Organizers
ECM 2018 will be a two-day event and we have decided to conduct a "Kids Soccer Camp and Tournament" on July 8th,2018 (expecting around 150 people) and the main "ECM" event at Coronation Park on July 7th, 2018(expecting around 500 people).
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our sponsors and well-wishers since last ten years. In the next 5 years we will be looking at opportunities to work with other entities with similar vision to promote each other’s mission on different platforms and maximize efficiency in creating a positive impact in Edmonton.
We are Cosmopolitans
In 2017 December we participated in Santa Anonymous to support the simple wish to see every child receive a new toy at Christmas.
We also participated in “Share the Warmth” winter gear drive in association with Boyle Street Community Services.
ECCSF passionately pursue excellence in community services through partnerships and by expecting, encouraging, and embracing continuous improvement. We provide quality, best value shared service dedicated to the most needed in the community. We support the charities in the strategic direction of the institutions. We will be honest in our actions and communications, earn the trust of others, and respect ourselves and others. When there is a felt need we will initiate, involve, innovate, and interact for the greater benefit of the Community of Edmontonians at large. Any such ideas are always welcome and please do contact us.