Media Release
Canada, Dec 20: A casual conversation, nostalgic memories and wishful longing, a simple idea of bringing cheer and warmth in an otherwise cold country – this is how Christmas caroling began in Mississauga, Ontario.
Inspired by his childhood days in Mumbai, Samson Soans, a new and active member of the Mangalorean Association of Canada (MAC) presented this initiative to the executive members of the association. MAC, always seeking fresh and innovative ideas to work within the community especially during Christmas was excited to support this initiative and ensure its success.
Christmas is an exciting yet hectic time of the year with parents scrambling to finish shopping, attend to numerous chores or attend office parties. Hence the door to door caroling allowed parents to experience the real meaning of Christmas and the holidays by gathering the children around them and enjoying beautifully sung Christmas carols. The carols reminded us of family, tradition and a warm special time of the year – the birth of baby Jesus.
The Christmas caroling event was presented to the MAC community at the monthly Konkani mass and was met with great eagerness and overwhelming response. In return, families were requested to donate non-perishable food items or money which would be given to the Eden Food Bank in Mississauga. The Food Bank provides nourishment to the poor in the community and cherishes any donations that will assist them to feed the hungry.
The carolers consisted of enthusiastic children of different ages, parents and grandparents who sang with a passion and spirit of the season. A rotating schedule based on locations for 3 days was created and accommodated several families per day. Carolers gathered at each house decked in Christmas colors and sang 4-5 carols per house before driving on to the next destination. Families welcomed the carolers with open arms, eagerness and happiness.
The generosity of the people was refreshing and whether it was bringing food and drinks for the carolers or in donating items for the food bank, they truly welcomed everyone into their homes. The miracle of little baby Jesus seemed intrinsic and natural to everyone.
The carolers collected $550 and approximately 100 pounds of non-perishable food items to be donated to the Eden Food Bank.
MAC thanked each and every family who supported the undertaking, all the volunteers, youngsters and parents who selflessly gave their time and ensured the success of the event. Christmas is a season of peace, love and goodwill and this was reflected in the children’s smiles and voices, the rapt attentiveness of the parents and the indulgent gestures of the grandparents.