by Anura Guruge
on December 24, 2022
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The other shifts from ‘Laconia Rotary‘,
before & after mine & Jason’s 1pm to 2pm gig.
It was a BLAST. So rewarding. We actually had fun. Jason, as ever, is great company. The hour just flew. It was COLD. I have never worn as many layers. But, it paid off. Jason, the ex-Marine, fitter & 30-years my junior, didn’t need all the protection. The joys of being young.
It was humbling!
We had homeless people & couples walk by as we collected (hopefully some of the proceeds going to them).
People have either become much more generous or it is the inflation.
We MOSTLY GOT $5 or MORE in one donation. A fair number of $20s + multiple big denomination bills in one go. We had trouble getting it all in the kettle! Luckily they (i.e., ‘Salvation Army’ came and swapped buckets halfway into our gig).
This was symbolic for I.
I did this very same gig, albeit not with Jason, exactly 20 years ago. Christmas Eve 2002. Being younger I took the 4pm shift — as it got darker & colder. Couldn’t do that now.
This was great.
This is an ANNUAL Laconia Rotary event. We try to make more money on OUR day, i.e., Christmas Day, than any of the other ringers. Friendly competition. I think we win most years. We did good during our gig.
Merry Christmas
