By Steve Weatherbe

The meaning of Christmas became clear to Beau Graham when he opened his Nanaimo movie rental shop at Northridge Plaza, one morning in mid-December.

He found a small gift-wrapped box in the store’s DVD-return bin. The box made coin-like noises when he shook it. When  he unwrapped it, there was indeed a roll of quarters – plus many $100 and $50 bills. In all, there was $2,400.

Graham was behind several months on the rent, and had made no secret of the fact with his customers. A note included with the money made it clear that the gift was a response.

“I was touched,” he admitted.

The note read:

Dear Beau:

About a year ago, I began saving my tithe money. In the Christian faith, we put aside 10 percent of our earnings to help support the church, pay the pastor’s salary, fund missionary trips, etc. I do not necessarily know why, except that it would serve its purpose when the right time came.

Apparently the ‘right time’ has come – because God has told me to give you the money in your time of need . . .

Please do not try to find out who I am. I deserve no thanks or recognition of any kind. This was God’s money. I just delivered it.

Have a Merry Christmas, and God bless.

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Graham said the anonymity was impressive. “It’s only human to want a pat on the back. This is pretty stand-up.”

Since the note was typewritten, he said he figures his benefactor is “an older man or lady. I haven’t used a typewriter since I was in grade school.” He called local news media, to generate a story in which he could thank the person.

The money could have saved his enterprise, he figured, since he had been making some changes that would possibly increase his income. But when he went to pay his back rent with his gift-money, he learned that his landlord evidently doesn’t quite ‘get’ Christmas. Graham was told that he was being evicted.  

“I’m pretty upset,” he admitted.

If he can find a new location nearby, Graham said he figures his business still has a good chance, because of the rapport and loyalty he has built up with his customers – and because of the secret giver. The recent boon has given him a new perspective, as well.

“I used to be pretty skeptical of religion. Some religious people can be arrogant about their beliefs. I tend to want to see the proof. But I think I won’t be putting my foot in my mouth on that subject from now on.”

February 2011