With the historic Halifax waterfront as its backdrop, and against a stunning early fall sunset, more than 150 alumni and friends reconnected during this year’s Halifax Affinity Newfoundland and Labrador Celebration on Sept. 24.

For the first time ever, the event was held aboard HMCS Preserver where guests were treated to delicious East Coast seafood along with the fantastic music of award-winning performer Fergus O’Byrne.

Comedian and musician Tony Quinn hosted this year’s event.

President Gary Kachanoski welcomed guests and thanked the Canadian Armed Forces for hosting the celebration on its vessel.

The event, organized by proud alumni and friends in the greater Halifax region, raised money to support a scholarship for students who are members of the Canadian military, or their families.

Guests capped the night off with a rousing rendition of the Ode to Newfoundland under the night sky.

Meanwhile, more than 140 alumni and friends were delighted to find a small piece of Newfoundland and Labrador in the midst of Canada’s largest city as Memorial hosted a social night in Toronto Oct. 1.

Popular bar and pub Shamrock City partnered with Memorial for the evening, which saw one of its feature acts, musicians Bob Taylor and Carl Peters of the band Wabana, perform. Guests had a chance to taste a bit of home, too – fish and chips made from Shamrock City’s own secret recipe.

The social, organized by alumni and friends in the GTA, was hosted at the restaurant Meating at the Bottom Line on Front Street West, which was decorated with memorabilia from Newfoundland and Labrador.