On Wednesday 30 November ARV’s Woolooware Shores hosted the first of ARV’s 2011 Christmas Spectaculars, titled ‘O Come All Ye Faithful.’
Almost 500 residents and supporters from ARV’s southern villages including St Lukes, Elizabeth Lodge, Mary Andrews, Donald Robinson and Woolooware Shores, were treated to a wonderful spectacle – ARV staff on stage!
Of course, the real purpose of this auspicious occasion is to share the message of Christmas among ARV residents, staff, family and friends, a time to spread hope and joy, which the birth of Jesus Christ evokes.
A wonderful team of staff and resident volunteers combined their talents as set makers, caterers, food box packers, chair-people, ushers, singers, performers, costume helpers, drivers, bbq’ers and a range of other roles to create a very special day.
Karen French, ILU Coordinator at Woolooware Shores commented on how much the residents enjoyed the whole event - the props, decorations, treats, pageantry, costumes, the singing and of course the message of the show.
“Many residents have come to tell me how much they enjoyed the event, the village atmosphere and the community spirit was abundant. One resident told me that she actually experienced involuntary tears running down her cheeks when the donkey (Pedro) paused and passed her seat....I’m not saying the donkey stole the show, but we did have alot of fun getting the animals back in the truck later that night, we had a runaway sheep and some very cute but smelly goats to contend with...aahhh the joys of working with live animals!”