Profile information
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Host rating
90 %
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Last replied
6 Aug 2026
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Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 2 days
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Feedback
36
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ID verified
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Email verified
Badges (5)
Find your perfect host
Min stay requested: at least 2 weeks
Details
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Description
Hi there!
I live on a lovely 7-acre property on Gabriola Island with my dog and 2 horses.
A little about me …. I am a 72 year-old senior with ADHD and Fibromyalgia. ADHD means that I have the focus of a flea; and Fibromyalgia should be googled for the best explanation. In short, I’m a bit slow and very disorganized. lol 😆
I invite cheerful, self-motivated helpers to join my little household and help me stay ahead of the chores. Sense of humour and flexibility is mandatory!
It’s a small farm, but every day is a surprise. I don’t have work schedules, because most outside chores are for the animals, who have their own schedules. I would prefer to be on the tractor improving the property . . . than vacuuming and folding laundry. 🙄
This is a rural area and a valid driver’s licence, applicable to Canada is necessary.
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I prefer a minimum stay of one month, but if the timing and skills work I’ll certainly consider shorter stays. -
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Help with Eco Projects
Elderly Companionship
Light gardening
Creative DIY projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
Light maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
House & pet sitting
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Interests
History
Sailing / Boating
Outdoor activities
Politics / Social justice
Self development
Movies & TV
Pets
Farming
Writing
Music
Gardening
Drawing & painting
DIY & crafts
Animals
Yoga / Wellness
Nature
Camping
Beach -
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 property. Housekeeping please!
Help outside is always appreciated too; and if you are interested in learning about horse care, I would be happy to share my experience with you. -
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Beginner
French: Beginner -
Accommodation
Private bedroom in shared house. It’s a small guest bedroom, but I also have a travel trailer, for couples, which is self-contained, but is only available during summer months.
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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
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Internet access
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Limited internet access
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We have pets
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We are smokers
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Can host families
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Can host digital nomads
Wifi is efficient and usually reliable. However, we do have occasional outages during winter storms.
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Space for parking camper vans
Lots of space, no size restriction.
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Can possibly accept pets
A friendly dog that will get along with my alpha female boxer/mastiff; and will NOT chase my ponies!
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How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
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My animals / pets
Valla
Retired 16.3hh mare. 26 yrs.
Bobby
24 years. Gelding. 16.3hh.
Jersey (4 years)
Boxer Mastiff
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback (14)
Lots of flexibility thanks to the easy going way of life that characterizes Alison.
It was my first time that I was living in small farm and Alison took time to explain to me how things worked and what the daily … read more
He cleaned the house and took care of the kitchen, the dog, the laundry and all the other daily chores associated with running a household. Gaetan had no experience of life on a rural farm, but was interested and learned a lot … read more
You get the opportunity to learn about horse care, treatment, and training, but you also acquire skills for life and learn new things about yourself. … read more
She washed windows, cooked meals, mucked out stables and was happy to try her hand at anything I threw at her!
She is friendly and fun to have around and would be welcome back anytime.
She washed windows, detailed my car, cleaned horse stalls, groomed the horses, kept the house clean and cooked some lovely meals.
Alina is a joy to host. I hope she comes back one day. Good luck and safe … read more
Photos
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(4.8)
Cultural exchange:
(4.7)
Communication:
(4.7)
Lots of flexibility thanks to the easy going way of life that characterizes Alison.
It was my first time that I was living in small farm and Alison took time to explain to me how things worked and what the daily … read more
He cleaned the house and took care of the kitchen, the dog, the laundry and all the other daily chores associated with running a household. Gaetan had no experience of life on a rural farm, but was interested and learned a lot … read more
You get the opportunity to learn about horse care, treatment, and training, but you also acquire skills for life and learn new things about yourself. … read more
She washed windows, cooked meals, mucked out stables and was happy to try her hand at anything I threw at her!
She is friendly and fun to have around and would be welcome back anytime.
She washed windows, detailed my car, cleaned horse stalls, groomed the horses, kept the house clean and cooked some lovely meals.
Alina is a joy to host. I hope she comes back one day. Good luck and safe … read more
Things didn't quite work out as we both hoped and we decided to "abort the mission" and go our separate ways.
But for all you Vegan hosts out there … read more
She took amazing care of my 2 dogs and kept the house lovely and clean during her time here, which allowed me to do the things that bring me joy.
She is clean, quiet and respectful of those around her. Always helpful, self-motivated and conscientious, Ella managed to bring some … read more
She is fun to be around and … read more
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
