Told off by a bum
This actually did happen. And before you think I sound bitchy for using a derogatory term for this man, let me explain the reason for my dismay. Some background info:
There is a man that stands outside of the LCBO near my home nearly every day. Sometimes he wears an eye patch, sometimes not. I have once seen him go into an alleyway with a woman who gave him tall cans of beer, and another time he had the nerve to stash his tall cans under his milk crate that he sits on while asking for money.
On my way to a Christmas party this past week I had to stop for some wine. On my way in I noticed a new man in front of the LCBO. He was fully decked out in Santa apparel and he had a sign on his motorized scooter that said ‘Santa’s sleigh is broken. Please help’. I walked into the LCBO and while I perused the wine racks, I couldn’t help but think of this man. On my way out, I could see the same man standing there cheerily so I reached into my pocket and fished out a loonie. He thanked me and wished me a Merry Christmas; I did the same. Happiness flushed over me and I felt like I was on cloud nine for helping this guy out. Then I looked up to see the regular standing beside him.
I glanced down and continued on my way, but as I started walking I heard him raise his voice at me. “Hey, he worked the 9-5 shift and I’m taking over. Don’t I get anything?” It was around 6:30 pm and I felt like telling him he should use his change for a new watch instead of cans of beer. But instead, I told him that I already gave away the extra change I had. His response: ‘Why would you do that? Why would you help him out and not me?’ Again I had to bite my tongue from telling him that I didn’t support what he used his money for. He then sarcastically told me to have a good night and I flamboyantly shot him the finger.
Now part of me felt bad for this, but the other part of me was so angry that someone yelled at me when I thought I was doing a good thing. I do understand why he would be angry for me donating money to one person and not to him, but I also like to think that my generosity is going to a good cause. This Santa impersonator may have been lying about his scooter, and who knows, maybe he used my dollar for some other purpose that I would not approve of, but at least he didn’t have the nerve to clearly show that his collections went towards booze or drugs. And one last thing, at least he attempted to do something creative and humorous to win me over. I think I’d rather give my money to a santa-wearing, cheerful man than a beer-drinking miserable man any day.
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