Carbonear musician gets 'best gift ever'

Carbonear musician Curtis Andrews was more than delighted with his Christmas gift this year.
His parents, Rose and Gerald, decided to purchase a gift in his name through World Vision. The gift will help brighten the lives of families in Africa.
While the innovative drummer doesn't like to talk about it, he is as much humanitarian as he is musician.
In the West African village of Ghana where he spent time studying drum and dance this past year, Andrews began fundraising to help build a classroom to accommodate Kindergarteners.
After a brief stay back in the province, this December he left for Chennai to study South Indian classical music.
According to his mother, Andrews lives with a Dr. and Mrs. Shankrin in Channai.
"His friend Greg (Earle) is in India as well studying so that is great," Rose Andrews says, adding, "Greg's family was originally from Carbonear, but now lives in Ontario. Curtis met him in his travels and they have since become good friends."
Being away from home for Christmas isn't so bad, especially when home is just a cell phone call away.
"During one call, he took me shopping with him as he went to the vegetable and fruit market," explains Mom. "In crossing the street, he said, it was like finding your way through a maze. And I could hear the horns honking and blowing as he crossed...soon he was back home safely and delivered the vegetables to Mrs. Shankrin who does all of his cooking."
Although he could not be with his family for Christmas, Andrews got a gift from home that brought him special joy.
"We went through World Vision and bought: one roaster and two hens; one goat, furnished a classroom with desks and a one year supply of flour - all for families in West Africa," Rose says.
After receiving an e-card from World Vision stating the goods were bought in his honour by his family, Andrews said, "It was the best gift ever!"