Gabriella Vukman
On Saturday December 16, a group of local musicians took to the streets of Healesville, playing carols to raise money for the Holy Fools initiative.
The Gruyere buskers, an assortment of students and parents of all ages, has brought Christmas cheer to the town of Healesville for over ten years, busking to raise funds for various charities.
Teacher, Musical therapist and leader of the Gruyere buskers Sally Banks said, “we used to choose every year where we would send the money but it has been holy fools for the last couple of years.”
“I think they are very much needed in the community, particularly at the moment.”
This year the buskers were situated outside of the Healesville Aldi.
“When people are going into supermarkets to buy more food than they can eat, it’s good to make them feel like they can make a difference to somebody else’s life too,” Ms Banks said.
Ms Banks invites all of her students in the local area to come and do the Christmas busking.
“Doing stuff together in the community is really good. The busking brings people together and gives the kids and everybody a sense of well being,” Ms Banks said.
There is a fair bit of behind the scenes work that goes into practising and organising for the Gruyere buskers to come together for the Christmas tradition.
Ms Banks said, “It makes people smile and reminds them that Christmas is not just about Santa Claus. Carolling is a non-commercial part of Christmas.”
“It is joyful for the people playing the music and the people who listen to it. Music always has an uplifting effect for people.”
The Holy Fools organisation’s mission is to end homelessness and the organisation provides much aid for the Lilydale and surrounding areas.
