An old advertising campaign for peanut butter cups posed the question, what would happen when two distinct flavours were put together?
In a festive twist on that concept, the Fort William Male Choir has paired with the Salvation Army to support their Christmas Kettle campaign. Imagine what can happen when the two are combined.
You know you are getting close to Christmas when you see the kettles at various locations around the city. I may be dating myself, but I can’t remember a Christmas without them; volunteers bundled up against the cold so that others can be warm, the sound of their bells announcing their location before you see them. Add to that picture the sound of Christmas carols being sung. At certain LCBO locations you’ll be treated to a mini-Christmas concert by the FWMC. Members of the FWMC have supported the campaign by manning kettles at the LCBO locations while providing a seasonal soundtrack at the same time since 2019. “The singing enhances the experience. It adds a festive touch to our participation.”, says choir member Pat Gallagher.
Another sure sign that Christmas is just around the corner is the annual Prelude to Christmas concert performed by the Fort William Male Choir. This Thunder Bay tradition is always highly anticipated and tickets sell quickly. Preparation for the concert begins in September, with around 50 hours of practice leading up to the performances.
The choir has a long history of giving back to their community. Each year the choir performs a special portion of the Prelude to Christmas concert for residents in long-term care who may not be able to attend. “We see a lot of the residents singing along and clapping. It brings us much joy to see them enjoying themselves.” Says Pat. The choir also supports Christmas Cheer Thunder Bay, the Prostate Cancer Network and Friends of Chippewa Park.
The love of music and the camaraderie that develops when people share a common interest bonds the members of the choir. Two of the longest standing members have been with the choir for over 60 years, and this year the choir has welcomed three new members.
When people come together for a common goal, good things inevitably happen. The combination of the Fort William Male Choir and the Christmas Kettle campaign is a perfect fit that makes music the gift that keeps on giving all year long.
