CANOE COVE, P.E.I. — Chrys Jenkins is used to having people parking alongside his road just to look at his farmhouse this time of year.
It's not surprising, as his property in this rural community on the south shore of P.E.I. features an extensive display of outdoor Christmas lights and decorations.
“(So, I) decided to build a circle driveway so the people could come through.”
And they just kept coming.
Once he and his wife, Doreen, added the circular driveway, they decided to involve their alpacas, donkeys and goats in the experience and to use it as an opportunity to raise money for charity.
They also started inviting shepherds, wisemen and a few angels, and before long, it had evolved into a popular living nativity fundraiser.
This is the Jenkins’ ninth year holding the event at their home in Canoe Cove. Up to 80 volunteers will get in character to re-enact biblical times during the evenings of Dec. 6-8, with all proceeds going towards the Children’s Wish Foundation.
Last year’s event raised about $8,000. All are welcome to pull their vehicle through the Jenkins' driveway, where they’ll witness a manger scene depicting the birth of Jesus, along with a choir, plenty of animals and the Jenkins’ renowned Christmas lights.
If past years are any indication, Jenkins expects there to be cars lined far down the road to pay a visit. There will also be flaggers to help regulate traffic, but it’s hard to keep track of how many cars drive through overall.
“Some of them will go through three times," he said.
One year, a group of people came to check it out in a limousine.
“They had a hard time getting through some of the corners, but they made it.”
Many of the volunteers helping set up and run the event are from Canoe Cove and surrounding areas. It has become a community-driven event over the years, with many people looking to pitch in as early as October, Jenkins said.
“A lot of people now don’t even know their neighbours,” he said. “But you get to know your neighbours here.”
Jenkins loves going all-out for holiday decorations. One of his favourite parts of holidays is bringing joy to others, he said.
“I just love the smiles on kid’s faces.”
If weather isn’t an issue, the living nativity will take place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on all three days at 6452 Route 19 in Canoe Cove.
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