MONTREAL — A local PR company opted for a thrifty locale to host their annual Christmas party this year — the vacant bus shelter across the street from the office building.
With budget cuts and an economy in decline, the owners of Peak Yellow PR felt that the semi-enclosed shelter at the corner of St. Laurent and Rachel was the most fiscally-responsible venue for the party.
Although there were 15 people from the office invited, the shelter was only capable of holding seven — two of whom, at any given time, were people actually waiting for the bus.
An employee of the company, Marsha Wallace, said she was “disappointed” but “not surprised.” “The office party has been getting more and more low budget each year, but this was really rock bottom,” she explained. “At the last minute, they decided to make it a potluck. I had to arrange a charcuterie platter on top of a man who was sleeping on the bench inside!”
Some employees were annoyed by the no plus ones rule. Others felt cheated by the $20 entrance fee. And others still wished Maria and John would have found a more private place to hook up.
Despite the difficulties company’s owners declared the evening a “success”. “What more do they want?” asked CEO Jared Fischer. “We provided them a space, alcohol and readily available transportation to get home.”
“Ah, it doesn’t matter anyway. Half of them are getting fired after New Years.”
