B.C.-based BDMs spread holiday cheer, raise $880 for Surrey Food Bank

Holiday carols filled travel agencies across Metro Vancouver last week as 16 business development managers from leading travel suppliers visited offices between Maple Ridge and Burnaby, singing festive songs and collecting donations for the Surrey Food Bank.

The annual tradition brought together BDMs from AMA Waterways, Holland America Line, Seabourn, Carnival, Azamara, CIE Tours, TTC Tour Brands, Norwegian Cruise Line, Globus Family of Brands, 5 Continents, Palladium Hotels, Melia Resorts, El CID Resorts, Exoticca, Viking, Expedia TAAP and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

The group raised $880 in cash and collected several boxes of food from eight participating travel offices: Expedia Cruises (Maple Ridge, Coquitlam & Westwood), Transat Travel Maple Ridge, Maritime Travel Port Moody, Flight Centre Coquitlam, Marlin Travel Lougheed and Travel Best Bets.

"It's an honour to plan this annual event for our Western Canada BC BDMs and travel industry friends," said Fiona Schonewille, BDM for Holland America Line and Seabourn. 

"These moments bring us together, celebrate our partners and give back to the community through the Surrey Food Bank. Each year we cherish this day and have so much fun doing it."

For many BDMs, the event represents a highlight of the busy season. 

"One of my favorite days of the busy season, spreading Christmas cheer with our BDM crew is pure magic," said Gina G, BDM for Norwegian Cruise Line. 

"Every office lights up, the hustle fades and we're reminded what the season is all about: joy, generosity and time together."

Christy King, BDM for Palladium Resorts, called it "such a fantastic day of spreading Christmas cheer for a great cause, supporting our local Surrey food bank. Thanks to the generosity of our travel partners!"

The sense of community stood out for Heath Collier, BDM for Regent Seven Seas Cruises. 

"Seeing the sense of community - between the BDMs, the advisors and even one passerby that got in on the fun, reminded me why I love this industry," he said. 

"It was about human connection - coming together, spreading joy and not taking ourselves too seriously."

Nicole Davey, BDM for TTC Tour Brands, echoed the sentiment: "For me, Christmas is about connection with family, friends, colleagues and community. This BDM group embodies that togetherness, and I couldn't ask for a better team."

Sofia Ferreira, BDM for Viking, summed it up: "A day dedicated to spreading Christmas cheer and raising donations for the food bank - truly what the season is all about! Lucky to spend time with colleagues who make the day so special and unforgettable!"

A holiday poem

In celebration of the successful day, Fiona Schonewille penned this year's version of the annual holiday poem, originally written in 2018 by industry veteran Vicki Aucoin:

'Twas 21 days before Christmas, when all through the town, all the agents were stirring to lock those trips down. 

The bookings were closed by the agents with care, in hopes that their clients would soon be cruising or off in the air. 

Their guests were already snug in their beds, while visions of their vacations danced in their heads. 

When outside the agency there rose such a clatter, travel advisors sprang from their desks to see what was the matter. 

They ran to the window as quick as a flash, and outside was a bus filled with Sass! 

The door flew open and what did they see, but a bunch of outstanding BDM's including Paula, Nicole and Cindy!

With a jolly little driver filled with glee, BDMs, Tammy Sofia and Kenny are all ready to spread some holiday cheer and sing around the tree.

Now Fiona, now Colin, now Fatima and Joel. 

Let's get it together to sing like they do in the North Pole.

This joyous bus load of BDMs strong, with Gina, and Heath and Jennifer too. 

We are excited to visit with our mighty crew. 

On, Carlos, and Dave and Christy too. 

We hope you will all join us and sing a few. 

To the top of Grouse Mountain to the agencies in the Ridge, get your eggnog ready we are coming to empty your fridge.

From Pitt Meadows to Coquitlam and Burnaby mall 

Now dash away, dash away, dash away all.

The carolling continues with a Victoria stop planned for December 10.

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