LOUISE BOILEVIN + SUZANNE KILROY/HUCULAK + SEKANI DAKELTH Story and photos by Michelle Gamage Originally published in the February 2021 Megaphone issue Friends for More Than 14 Years The three women “hallo” to one another as they meet up in the food court of International Village Mall, better known as “Tinseltown.”...

Vendor Rodney McNeely stays positive while facing new challenges. Megaphone file photo.

From a working logger to a concerned grandfather, Peter Thompson reflects on earning a living from the land while preserving the environment for the future. Megaphone file photo.

When it comes to creative writing, longtime Vancouver Megaphone vendor and musician Bernie Bouzane doesn't miss a beat. Megaphone file photo.

Hendrik Marinus Beune: March 22, 1951 — Dec. 14, 2019. Megaphone file photo.

Maria Sonia "Sandra" Czechaczek: Oct. 18, 1964 — Dec. 24, 2019. Megaphone file photo.

From music, to friends, to family, Victoria vendor James Hope has found his rhythm again following a bout with mental illness. Travis Poor photo.

Vancouver vendor Dennis Chernyk muses about the stuff of life.

When you're homeless and looking for housing, it's a demoralizing cycle of not having enough resources to get ahead.

Sue has seen more than her share of tragedy, but the courageous Megaphone vendor finds strength in encouraging others.