All Hail "The Litter Guy"

If you reside in or near Toronto's Queen West neighborhood, chances are you've crossed paths with Mark "The Litter Guy". 34 year old Mark Giesbrecht originally from Winnipeg has been cleaning the littered sidewalks of Toronto for over 3 years now. On his arrival to the city, Mark was stripped of a construction job opportunity due to not having proper work boots and so his environmental crusade began. Filling up to 80 bags of garbage a day, his survival depends on well deserved donations varying from food, to money, and of course garbage bags. I ran into Mark by Trinity Bellwood's park on Christmas eve and he took quick break from his never ending work to chat. He was excited to mention that a friend of his has been gradually working on a documentary about his everyday struggles and success. Here is a good example of what's to come.

http://www.thestar.com/videozone/639079

Mark was also very proud to tell me me about recently being nominated as a "Torontoist" hero of 2009 for which he had his very own illustrated portrait done. Unfortunately he didn't make it to the final round due to the technicality of his garbage bags clashing with everyone's favorite new plastic bag policy. Not a chance that slowed down "The Litter Guy" himself, as a "comic nerd" he was simply thrilled with the artistic portrayal of himself.



http://torontoist.com/2009/12/heroes_and_villains_2009_heroes.php?gallery0Pic=13#gallery

Before Mark got back to work I made quick mention of his blog that I came across I encouragingly joked about the lack of recent activity. "Life get's in the way sometimes" he replied with a chuckle. We exchanged Christmas wishes and went our separate ways. Take some time to read Marks blog and only then will you truly understand the variety of good, bad, and ugly he sees each day and lives to tell about it. Next time you see him hard at work cleaning your neighborhood, do the right thing and help him out anyway you can. In fact, the sign he wears on his back says it best. "Putting the shine on where we all live, work, and play. Donation$ let me keep Toronto clean. Thanx 4 support.". Enough said. You're the man, Mark!