Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol still inspires giving at Christmas time.
As chartered accountants, Wayne Kuyer and Kyle Murray have probably met a few Ebenezer Scrooges and Jacob Marleys over the years.
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Scrooge is the skinflint in the Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol who gets a visit from the ghost of his former business partner Marley.
Marley is condemned to walk the world in chains because he was so nasty in life — he warns Scrooge to mend his miserly ways or he’ll meet the same fate.
Kuyer thought dressing up as Marley would be a great way to raise money at Christmas, with his business partner Stephen de Verteuil doing Scrooge.
It was an instant hit when they launched it in 1996 in Langley, where they had their office. Sadly, de Verteuil died in 2002, when he was only 47.
But Kuyer has carried on, with another accountant from the office, Murray, taking the role of Bob Cratchit, Scrooge’s overworked, underpaid employee.
“(Kuyer) needed a servant,” jokes Murray.
Initially Kuyer and de Verteuil rented costumes, but, after a couple of years, bought their own.
“I use this line every year: ‘The costume I had 26 years ago still fits me,’ ” Kuyer said.
“Mine already is a little tight,” said Murray. “A little too much Christmas cheer.”
The stylish 19th century suits and top hats are a hit at the offices they visit during the Yuletide season.
“By and large, it’s a week of activity for us,” said Kuyer. “Invariably we’ll stretch it into the next week, because there’s always someone else we need to reconnect with.”
As the fundraiser’s gone on, however, they’ve also learned to do an advance mail-out.
Alas, the Canada Post strike has put a crimp in getting mail back. But office manager Angel Miles has been working on emails, and donors can send their money in electronically.
“We have established over the years pretty loyal followers and givers,” said Kuyer. “That makes it a lot easier for us to target what we’re going to do and how we’re going to do it.”
But even if the money’s already been sent, Marley and Scrooge drop by in person.
“We always try to make a point of visiting anyone that’s given and donated, because we’re going to keep the connection,” said Kuper. “That’s the easiest way for us to keep the program running, and keep connection with the givers. The second part is, we always try to tackle new businesses and try to kind of keep the lifeline growing.”
Thirty-two years after it began, the Scrooge and Marley fundraiser has raised $430,000 for The Province’s Empty Stocking Fund and the Langley community.
It hopes to raise another $25,000 in 2024.
“I figure I have three years left in me before I can officially retire,” the 67-year-old Kuyer said with a chuckle. “I’m hoping that once we get over the half-a-million (mark), maybe I get to retire for a bit. But I’m sure (the office) will always continue this.”
For 106 years the Empty Stocking Fund has been dedicated to making the holidays brighter for B.C. residents who are less-fortunate. With the generosity of our readers and supporters, the fund gives money to 25 B.C. community groups that provide food hampers and gifts to children, needy families and single people.
Donations can be made to:
Online at: https://theprovince.com/esf
By mail to: The Province Empty Stocking Fund
968 East Cordova St.,
Vancouver, B.C., V6A 1M6
By calling: 604-253-6911
Scan the QR code below:
