This 14th Annual “Caroling with Care” community event took place on December 6, 2018 with close to 45 Carolers this yer!
We gathered at 5:30 in the spacious common room of Gabriola’s Garden Homes, where Leah Hokanson led us in a spirited half-hour of fellowship and laughter with Garden Homes residents before we headed out into the December darkness.
Thanks to an anonymous gift of 4 hours’ rental, a Gertie bus was on hand to transport 20 carollers, while others followed in their vehicles.
Carolers were warmly welcomed into four homes of Gabriolans unable to get about, where Leah once again led us in traditional favourite songs of the Christmas season.
The evening concluded at Somerset Farm, where Eric and “birthday girl” Sue Boulton invited us in for hot chocolate, seasonal goodies, and yet more carols by the crackling fire.
Gertie headed back to the Garden Homes at 9:30, after a magical start to the festive season.
Special thanks to our intrepid Gertie driver, to all our generous hosts, to our caroler-in-chief Leah, to our caroling volunteers who donated baking.
Special thanks this year to Anniken De Lissa for her many contributions to this event on behalf of GES for the past 14 years. Anniken has been central to nurturing a tradition that reflects the warmth, fellowship, and generous community spirit of our island home. We hope we will continue to enjoy this opportunity raise our voices in joyful seasonal harmony for many years to come!
Submitted by Lynette Jackson, GES Board Member
We hope to continue this festive event next year! Special thanks to Anniken and Lynette for organizing this so well.
