During the holiday season, people travelling on a B.C. 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,” Lewis recalled in an interview with Glacier Media.
Kids started running down the length of the boat toward the cafeteria with smiles on their faces.
B.C. Ferries said children flooded the cafeteria within two minutes.
"The count was five large and 11 small, total was just over $70," said Daniel McIntosh, B.C. Ferries communications manager.
Turns out, the man is a regular traveller.
"He wanted to wish everyone a Happy New Year," McIntosh said. "All the kids thanked the gentleman personally and the catering team did the same."
Lewis called the 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,” Lewis said.
“The joy on the kids’ faces as they run down the boat. The world needs more of these gestures.”
