ROB MURRAY: I’m joined on air this morning by Ebenezer Scrooge. What have you been up to lately?

EBENEZER SCROOGE: Firstly, I’d just like to say thank you for having me Robert. After that wonderful interview you did with Justin Trudeau, or JT as I like to call him, I knew that you would be reaching out to me for an interview. It’s been a rather odd world lately for me. Giving that turkey dinner to the Cratchits gave me a taste of how wonderful the gift of giving can be. That whole run in with the spirits was a real wake up for me, Robert. I’ve tried to keep busy but something has been missing. I can’t keep up with Tiny Tim anymore with that new leg of his and Bob keeps shooing me out of the office because I keep trying to put more coal on the fire. Well, after sitting around for way too long eating roasted chestnuts and watching Netflix, I decided it was time to get back on the horse.

RM: I’m a little surprised to hear that you’re volunteering with our Bow Valley Christmas Spirit Campaign. That’s pretty exciting!

ES: I’m as merry as a school boy at once again. This time of year there are so many people in need. I just feel that this is a magical way to get involved.

RM: Are we still doing some of the normal stuff that we’re used to with Christmas Spirit – cash, toys, food, that sort of thing?

ES: We are still very involved with all of our forms of giving Robert. With this dreaded COVID there are some changes this year. Our goal this year is to raise $90,000 in cash donations. These monies will be used to purchase grocery cards and toys that are not received as donations. You can make monetary donations online, it’s safe and secure and a CRA receipt will be issued immediately. You can drop off cash donations to FCSS at the Canmore Civic Centre or Royal LePage Rocky Mountain Realty. Make your cheques payable to the Bow Valley Christmas Spirit Campaign.

Toy donations are another great way to bring joy to children and teens. For teens, consider donating gift cards from local businesses. Toys can be dropped off at FCSS, Royal LePage, Wolfe Canmore, Canmore Chrysler, and Shoppers Drug Mart.

Food donations are welcomed. They can be dropped off in the food bins located at Save On Foods and Safeway. All food collected in these bins, as well as from the Royal LePage Food Drive, will be sent to both the Bow Valley Food Bank and the Nakoda Food Bank.

RM: You mentioned the food drive. We’re going to do that a little differently this year?

ES: This year donations will be collected from households by appointment only. Visit here to register.

RM: I know you’re a few hundred years old now, but for the seniors in our Bow Valley that are a little younger than you, there’s another great program for them too?

ES: The Bow Valley Elves program is another great way to get involved. Tags of requested gifts for seniors can be picked up from the great Christmas tree at Rusticana Grocery. Purchase the indicated gift, wrap it, and return it to Rusticana Grocery by the date indicated.

RM: Anything else you want to share about the Christmas Spirit Campaign this year, Mr. Scrooge?

ES: All I can say Robert is it’s magical time of year, and I say don’t be a humbug this year! Jacob Marley regretted it. Brighten your day by helping others and please give generously.

RM: Ebenezer Scrooge (aka. Dave Smalley), thanks so much for joining me on the show today.

ES: It’s been a pleasure.

 

Filed under: Bow Valley Christmas Spirit Campaign, Canmore