SFU Choir takes up digital caroling during pandemic

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BURNABY (NEWS 1130) — The choir at Simon Fraser University has found a unique way to spread some holiday cheer in the COVID-era.

In-person performances and practices are no longer allowed, but the group is staying connected and raising funds by offering custom Christmas caroling videos.

Booking coordinator Toria Kindersley says the pandemic struck just a couple of weeks before a planned concert, and cancelling meant the choir couldn’t raise money through ticket sales.

“In order to raise some funds, and in order to be able to pay our conductor and pay our accompaniest we wanted to make sure we were able to have some income this semester,” she explains.

Through the website, people can choose one of six carols to be performed by the choristers. Then, a custom video including a personalized message is produced and shared with the person who ordered it.

At first, Kindersley wasn’t sure the idea would take off.

“Would anyone actually be interested? Would we get anyone actually buying anything?” she asked herself.

But she says they have since received “plenty of orders.”

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