One song, one shelter at a time

St. Vital

My friend Les Gillis has been playing music for 10 years in local homeless shelters, such as the Oak Table.

Gillis’ “calling” is to perform his original songs while strumming his guitar in missions and shelters, where he provides uplifting melodies and relief to those who suffer from many a tough situation.

If you have attended or staged your own house concerts, as I have, you are aware of the intimacy between those who make music a part of our lives. The emotional bonding in smaller, quieter settings piques the interest of music lovers. It is a genuine way to support local musicians, especially those dedicated to a cause, such as Les.

As a young man growing up in Cape Breton, Les was told by his mother, herself a good Samaritan that “you can’t save them all.”

Her son went on to follow her advice. Self-taught on the guitar by the age of 17, Les found himself busking the streets of Toronto at 19, and by the time he was 20 he was performing as far away as Denver, Colo. In the ’90s, he played folk festivals, the Dauphin Countryfest and at casinos throughout the U.S.

More recently, Gillis has been inspired by the work of William Prince, whose music seems to connect to his audience with songs that reflect empathy and sympathy.

“The best compliment one receives while playing is when you skim over the room and see the faces lit up like candles,” Gillis said.

That’s what sparks for Gillis. Everyone enjoys music because it evokes moments of joy and brings people out of their sadness.

Since before the pandemic, he has focused his musical efforts on Canada’s homeless, volunteering and performing at various shelters and food banks.

This past summer, he packed up his car and headed east on a tour he called Help Shine a Light on Homelessness Across Canada, which took him from Winnipeg to Cape Breton Island. Along the way he heard were people’s stories of loss, prejudice, and danger. The days were long and the roads winding on his journey of hope. And all the while, he heard the same question on many people’s lips: “‘There are empty buildings boarded up, could they not house people?”” he said.

“We are living the Band-Aid solution, instead of the government stepping in and really dealing with this countrywide problem,” he added.

Town after town, Gillis spoke with the heads of churches and volunteers, many of whom admitted to burnout after a while. Dirty encampments, the filthiest of conditions – Gillis saw it all first-hand. Yet the journey continued.

In keeping with his “purpose”, Les is planning another summer tour in 2026 – this time heading out west to B.C. So he is doing best now to raise money for his expenses.

This Christmas season, for example, entertain the idea of a house concert for your friends. It truly is a gratifying way to gather with friends and only requires a small space, indoors or out.

Les is also available to handle any inquiries regarding his gofundme page, which you can support at Shelterus@yahoo.com or at jdrseal_les@yahoo.ca