Profile information
Host is looking for help immediately
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
27 Apr 2024
Reply rate
97.4 %
Usually responds within 3 days
Feedback
27
Email verified
Badges (2)
Details
Description
Hi there,
I live on a lovely 7-acre property on Gabriola Island.
I have 2 horses and 2 dogs. My house was built and only completed in December 2021 so, as you can imagine, there is still lots to do around the property.
My priority is my animals. I love caring for them and spend a lot of time with them either training, grooming, feeding or cleaning. Not to mention cuddles time! But ….. then I get behind with everything else.
Experience with horses is not required, but I will always give preference to helpers with a knowledge of horse-care.
PLEASE NOTE: This year I need helpers who are comfortable with farm chores, and have experience with power tools and outdoor equipment. Preference will also be given to anybody with carpentry skills and construction experience.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Elderly Companionship
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
I have travelled extensively and, as the former owner of a Homestay business in Vancouver, I am used to having students and guests from other countries and cultures living with me.
I like to find out, in advance, the kinds of things you want to experience while you are in Canada so that i can research and help you achieve those goals when you get here.
Help
General help with the daily chores necessary to maintain a small home and large horse property.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Beginner
French: Beginner
Accommodation
Private bedroom in shared house. It’s a small guest bedroom, but I have had couples use it who seemed happy. I also have a travel trailer which is self-contained, but is only available during the warmer months as it is not winterized.
What else ...
Gabriola Island is a wonderful island with the highest density of artists than anywhere in Canada, hence it’s nickname, “Isle of the Arts.”
There is so much to do both for outdoor enthusiasts and for those who prefer the art and music scene. The community is safe, friendly and welcoming. Gorgeous beaches, lush rainforest, clear water, it is one of BC’s best kept secrets!
I am extremely laid-back and have only one main house rule ...... you are not allowed to be hungry, thirsty or have the wrong body temperature!
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
Wifi is efficient and usually reliable. However, we do have occasional outages during winter storms.
Space for parking camper vans
Lots of space, no size restriction.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
4 hours/day each guest. I’m very flexible for those wishing to take mini trips.
Feedback (11)
From cleaning out the RV, to pounding fence poles, clearing land, helping with all aspects of animal care, picking rocks, weeding, repairing fences, housekeeping and general tidying on the property, they kept themselves busy and were a tremendous help.
On the… read more
Matt built a giant see-saw for my horses’ obstacle course; after he built a firewood shelter, hung up a shade sail and fixed numerous problems around the property. He liked to be busy and was… read more
That's what happened with Lucie. She was a gut feeling - and I'm so thankful that I went with my instincts because Lucie was my saviour during a very long and wet winter. She and I… read more
Wow what a couple of months! I came to Alison in late November to stay for a month- I enjoyed my time on the island so much I returned in January for a further 6 weeks!
Alison was my first Workaway upon landing in Canada- she welcomed me so warmly and with open arms that I felt comfortable to stay a bit longer and… read more
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
From cleaning out the RV, to pounding fence poles, clearing land, helping with all aspects of animal care, picking rocks, weeding, repairing fences, housekeeping and general tidying on the property, they kept themselves busy and were a tremendous help.
On the… read more
Matt built a giant see-saw for my horses’ obstacle course; after he built a firewood shelter, hung up a shade sail and fixed numerous problems around the property. He liked to be busy and was… read more
That's what happened with Lucie. She was a gut feeling - and I'm so thankful that I went with my instincts because Lucie was my saviour during a very long and wet winter. She and I… read more
Wow what a couple of months! I came to Alison in late November to stay for a month- I enjoyed my time on the island so much I returned in January for a further 6 weeks!
Alison was my first Workaway upon landing in Canada- she welcomed me so warmly and with open arms that I felt comfortable to stay a bit longer and… read more
Energetic, optimistic, cheerful and always willing to learn something new, she fitted in perfectly and the animals loved her.
She was absolutely delightful and I’m so glad she came. Come back when you can, kiddo!
We feel extremely lucky to have had an extended stay with Alison at her beautiful property with her lovely dog Annie and her two beautiful horses Bydee & Bobby! 😍🐴
Alison is such a wonderful, generous and friendly woman who we got to know very well during our… read more
Ellie is like the “Energizer Bunny!” She just doesn’t stop. If she’s not tidying and cleaning, she’s gardening, designing, sorting, reorganizing, shifting furniture around and making… read more
We had some really interesting conversations and laughed a lot. I was so sorry that she could only stay for a couple of weeks, but she knows she’ll… read more
They ran my household, horses, dog and property while I was recovering from a broken ankle and completely immobile. They handled all the chores cheerfully and efficiently, solving any problems with initiative and taking care of everything so I could focus on my recovery.
My house is very small, but it was easy having… read more
Alison was really nice and appreciative of what we did. We had lots of fun together and from the moment she could stand again, she showed us as much of the… read more
Thanks Alison, hope you're recovery is going well!
Despite zero experience with horses, by the end of the first week she was feeding, grooming, picking their hooves, handling their blanket needs, cleaning stalls and handling all the farm chores like a pro. All… read more
I needed somebody to run the household and care for my horses while I’m laid up with a broken ankle. Aoife did a great job and kept us all fed and watered (and entertained) during her stay.
This was not a “normal” Workaway experience and she was flexible and… read more
We got the amazing opportunity to spend almost 3 months with them and it was really hard for us to leave. We enjoyed the variety of jobs that we did all around the… read more
