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!

The Workin' Man

Danny is a very unique and interesting member of the Queen and Bathurst community, one of my favorite to observe as he goes about his business. With his construction attire, tool belt, and if you get closer look his impaired right eye make him impossible to miss.



Although generally in a great mood he is known to occasionally have what appear to be Schizophrenic fits consisting of yelling at nothing in particular throwing things around. On a good day he's some sort of one man clean up crew, often carrying a rake and a garbage bin around until it's filled to the brim with various waste he's collected around the neighborhood.



Danny is notorious for offering various items he's found to lucky passerby's which reminds me of by far my best experience with him yet. One afternoon he approached a friend and I saying he'd found something we might like as he pulled a stack of trading cards form his pocket, each one with a different horse on it, including their names and a bio. After gladly accepting his gift we thanked him and we parted ways.



On another note I also recently enjoyed watching him jam out on a guitar hero video game remote guitar, completely in his own imaginary happy place, without a doubt playing a sold out ACC. He never asks anyone for anything, takes pride in keeping his neighborhood clean and adds some much appreciated entertainment into the mix. All I half left to say is go, Danny!

Dude, Where's My Beer?

These environmentally friendly little people assumed by many to be husband and wife are a great addition to the blog in this time of giving thanks. Where they reside nobody knows, they can be spotted with their grocery carts anywhere from Trinity Bellwoods, Little Italy, The Annex, Kensington, China town, and of course at the Beer Store.



Not only are they probably earning plenty of well deserved dollars but more importantly they keep the side walks clean, the parks green, and even our own recycling bins empty. They're polite, far from shy and will rush to the scene of any public consumption of adult beverages. They always mutter a "thank you" accompanied by a semi-cigarette occupied smile, each time you put a can in their weathered little hands.



Just don't leave your beer unattended because they have no problem dumping it and turning it into 5 cents, or you could swallow a bee and that just would just suck on a whole other level. If you see them coming your way, you better start chugging! Happy Thanksgiving and a gentle pat on the back to Toronto's hardest working senior citizens.

Red Tie Affair

Meet Howard, usually around the intersection of Queen and Bathurst as well as in Alexandra park at Dundas and Bathurst. In the warmer weather he's notorious for often being shirtless wearing only a red neck tie. One afternoon this summer he passed by me with his shopping cart full of empty cans and bottles as I relaxed on a bench in the park.

I happily spared him a couple of bucks so he stuck around to to tell me a couple jokes and rant about his ongoing adventures some of which made more sense than others. I think I heard the word "jail" once or twice, but we won't get into that. Howard made my day with his enthusiastic demeanor In between talking he would impulsively burst into air guitar solos with sound effects included. Before he took off he offered me his protection should anyone "f#*k with me". I feel at ease knowing we have Howard around to lighten the mood in the neighborhood and keep things a little greener, he is a true rock star of the streets!