During the holiday season, people travelling on a BC Ferries vessel were treated to a surprise from a stranger.
Annika Lewis was on the Gulf Islands sailing from Galiano Island to Tsawwassen on Jan. 2, around 7:45 p.m., when an announcement over the PA system caught her attention.
“A generous man has just offered to pay for every kid’s ice cream, so free ice cream in the cafeteria for anyone under 16,” recalls Lewis in an interview with Glacier Media.
Kids started running down the length of the boat toward the cafeteria with smiles on their faces.
BC Ferries says the announcement was made by Second Steward Renee Savage and within two minutes children flooded the cafeteria.
"The count was five large and 11 small, total was just over $70," says Daniel McIntosh, BC Ferries communications manager.
Turns out, the kind stranger is a regular traveller.
"He wanted to wish everyone a Happy New Year," says McIntosh. "All the kids thanked the gentlemen personally and the catering team did the same."
"I think it’s a fantastic gesture, a beautiful display of human love and generosity. It brought all the passengers on the boat together as a community for a moment, regardless of age,” says Lewis.
The kind gesture sure left an impact on those aboard.
“The joy on the kids’ faces as they run down the boat. The world needs more of these gestures,” says Lewis.
