DG Marcel accompanies Happy Valley–Goose Bay Rotarians to Deliver Joy, Tradition, and Community Impact
Rotarians from the Happy Valley–Goose Bay Rotary Club, joined by District Governor Marcel Gervais, recently brought the spirit of Christmas to Labrador through long-standing traditions that continue to make a meaningful impact. From a festive celebration at the Labrador Health Long-Term Care facility to the beloved Santa to the Coast initiative reaching remote northern communities, these efforts once again delivered joy, generosity, and Rotary fellowship across the region.
Watch coverage of Santa to the Coast via CBC to see this remarkable tradition in action: https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/video/9.7019648
Click 'read more' for 30+ amazing photos of the events in Labrador!
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During Marcel’s recent visit to Happy Valley–Goose Bay, Rotarians came together for a series of Christmas activities that highlighted the heart of Rotary service. One of the most cherished events was the Rotary-sponsored Christmas party for residents of the Labrador Health Long-Term Care facility. Fourteen Club Rotarians, along with District Governor Marcel Gervais and Assistant Governor Geoff Goodyear, hosted an afternoon filled with live music, food, and festive cheer.
The highlight of the celebration was the arrival of Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their Elf, who delivered 70 Christmas gifts—one for each resident—bringing smiles and warmth to all involved. Special thanks are extended to Jeff Anderson and the dedicated Long-Term Care staff, as well as valued supporters such as Sodexo Services, whose contributions helped make the event possible.
The visit also included packing gifts for Santa to the Coast, cheque presentations, and travel throughout Northern Labrador. Fellow Rotarians from Rotary District 7815 recently returned from Labrador after attending the Rotary Club of Happy Valley–Goose Bay’s annual Santa to the Coast initiative—an extraordinary tradition with deep roots.
Originally launched in 1960 by the Royal Air Force and Royal Canadian Air Force, the responsibility of delivering Santa and Christmas gifts to children along Labrador’s remote coast was passed to the local Rotary club 35 years ago. For decades, the Happy Valley–Goose Bay Rotary Club has proudly carried this tradition forward, ensuring that no child is forgotten during the holiday season.
This year’s journey included stops in Nain and Natuashish, where children eagerly awaited Santa’s arrival—not by sled, but by plane. Thanks to the continued support of Rotarian Philip Earle and Air Borealis, the magic of Santa to the Coast lives on.
On behalf of North Atlantic Rotary, a special appreciation is extended to the Happy Valley–Goose Bay Rotary Club for their years of dedication to spreading joy along Labrador’s north coast. Their work is a powerful reminder of Rotary’s enduring impact and the true meaning of Unite for Good.
Rotarian Wayne Sheppard playing at the Long Term Care facility at the Rotary sponsored Christmas party for residents.
Members of the Rotary Club of Happy Valley-Goose Bay with DG Marcel and his wife Vera at the Long Term Care facility at the Rotary sponsored Christmas party for residents.
DG Marcel with Randy Letto, President to the HVGB Rotary club cut the cake for residents of the Long Term Care facility.
DG Marcel and wife Vera chat with HVGB resident Hans Lindner. Hans is a retired member of the German Air Force who were the original sponsors of the Christmas party for seniors.
Mr. & Mrs. Claus (Rotarian Rodney & Delphine Roberts) enter the resident’s party at HVGB Long Term Care facility.
HVGB Rotary Club president Randy Letto with Wyman Jacque of Torngait Services pack gifts for the upcoming Santa To The Coast trip.
Rotarians Greg Pike & Rodney Roberts packing gifts at the Tiger Inc. hanger in preparation for the Santa To The Coast trip to northern Labrador.
DG Marcel packing gifts at the Tiger Inc. hanger in preparation for the Santa To The Coast trip to northern Labrador.
Wyman Jacque of Torngait Services packing gifts. Torngait Services are one of the key sponsors of this event.
Gifts are boxed and prepared for shipment and delivery.
DG Marcel & wife Vera packing gifts at the Tiger Inc. hanger in preparation for the Santa To The Coast trip to northern Labrador.
Rotarians Paul Connors and Sean McLean dressed in Christmas livery.
Packing for Santa To The Coast in assembly line fashion.
The 2025 gift preparation team at Tiger Inc’s hanger. The boxed gifts are handed off to Air Borealis who take them & Santa to the coast.
This year’s event sign.
While in Happy Valley-Goose Bay DG Marcel and club president Randy Letto present a cheque to Jackie Compton-Hobbs of the Housing & Homeless Alliance.
While in Happy Valley-Goose Bay DG Marcel and club president Randy Letto present a cheque to Major Kay Barnes for the Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Campaign.
The Santa To The Coast team who traveled to Natuashish and Nain to deliver gifts to the communities’ children.
L-R Wendy Gray of Air Borealis, Frank Brown of Torngait Services, Vera Gervais, President Randy Letto of the Rotary Club of Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Elf Roxanne Fisher, Mr & Mrs Claus (Rodney & Delphine Roberts), MP Philip Earle, CO of 5 Wing Lt. Col William Brake and DG Marcel.
The crowd gathers on the ramp at the remote northern Labrador community of Natuashish to meet Santa.
The crowd gathers on the ramp at the remote northern Labrador community of Natuashish to meet Santa.
Vera Gervais distributing gifts in Natuashish.
Santa & Mrs Claus with children in Natuashish.
Santa & Mrs Claus arrive in Nain on Labrador’s north coast.
Gifts ready for distribution at the community centre in Nain.
Santa & Mrs Clause with one of Nain’s youngest residents!
DG Marcel & Vera hard at work in Nain.
Nain Resident & child who came out to see Santa.
The crowd gathers in Nain.
Some of the team and local RCMP gather for a photo.
Mr & Mrs Clause (Rodney & Delphine Roberts) in the doorway of the Air Borealis Twin Otter.
The Twin Otter departing the runway in Nain.
The Santa To The Coast team on route back to Happy Valley-Goose Bay.