I was born in Vancouver nearly 57 years ago. As a kid, I spent 14 years in Vancouver, and then ten years in Winnipeg before coming back. I’ve done various jobs over the years—dishwashing, short order cook, parking lot attendant.

"I went on stress leave for nine months in 1993 and I read about the street paper—it was called Spare Change back then—in The Province. I was on [Unemployment Insurance] at the time and thought I’d give selling the paper a try.

“I’d buy the paper in those days for 20 cents and then sell it on the street. I wasn’t making much money in those days, but I was happy with what I was doing because it meant getting out in the fresh air. I don’t like being inside that much.

“The best thing about selling the paper is the friendships I make. I’m in a very friendly neighbourhood; the merchants and customers are great—they support the paper and are always nice to me. I go out to coffee with several of them. They come to my house parties and my birthday parties. They protect me from panhandlers taking my turf.

“When I’m not selling the paper, I like to take walks and I’m heavy into my Gunsmoke and my DVD collection. I also write for the paper. Writing makes me feel good. I enjoy writing about friends, family and the police.

“I think homelessness is deplorable and that the Campbell government should start showing some compassion towards its people. Some panhandlers are bad, but many have personality and are friendly.

“I plan to sell the paper until it’s time to collect my pension. I’m just glad that Megaphone is going around. I’d be sitting around the apartment if I didn’t sell the paper.”