On December 3, Water Street will be filled with the sounds of the season as the first annual Yule Duel draws choirs from across Metro Vancouver to join together for a magical night of music and merriment. The event is expected to draw thousands of people to Gastown to enjoy holiday music from a diverse array of choirs.

Costumes, choreographed routines, and creative lyrics are all expected in this inaugural event as teams strive to hit a high note with the judges, a who’s who of local arts and entertainment personalities. Choirs will be spaced along Water Street, performing a selection of holiday songs to entertain the crowd. Once the judges have made their rounds, the festive spirit will shift to the main stage as teams compete in a final sing-off, and awards are presented to champion choirs. Yule Duel is a fundraiser for May’s Place, a hospice for those in need of end-of-life care in the Downtown Eastside.

May’s Place provides a peaceful and dignified passing to the most vulnerable members of our community, many of whom have grappled with mental health issues, addictions, poverty and homelessness. The first freestanding hospice in Western Canada, this marks its 25th year providing compassionate end-of-life care. “Many of our residents have lived in very difficult circumstances,” said Michele Sutherland, Manager of Hospice Services with The Bloom Group. “At May’s Place we provide them with a warm bed, meals and caring, professional medical attention. Our goal is make their last days as comfortable and respectful as possible.”

Sutherland said fundraising is crucial to their ability to provide care, especially for those who might not be able to afford the facility’s modest daily fee. “Proceeds from Yule Duel will help our most marginalized residents, and will fund special programs and services that bring joy and quality of life to our patients, when they need it most.” The Yule Duel is a joint partnership between the Gastown Business Improvement Society and The Bloom Group, the nonprofit operator of May’s Place.

Yule Duel is made possible by the support of several local sponsors, including local digital agency BigLittle, Gastown-based marketing agency Burst! Creative Group, public relations firm Brix Media Co., and many others, listed at yuleduel.com.

Like the Yule Duel on Facebook and follow on Twitter.