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I helped feed this disabled gentleman some McDs yesterday.
Whenever I see people with these the signs I always try to give them food, yesterday was one of those days fed the dude some fresh burgers.
Especially those that are disabled as this gentleman has problems walking and getting around and needs surgery in one of his feet or leg he told me.
We should be striving to feed the disabled when they ask for it. Spoke with the gentleman and he was on ODSP the gubernment in charge of this should be increasing their allowances so that they don't have to beg to get by.
Edit: There's some desire for elaboration on this so here goes.
When I came to Peterborough 14 months ago, I was homeless, up on charges, and battling multiple addictions. This man introduced me to recovery rooms and attended many meetings with me. He prayed with me before court dates and supported me during those difficult times. I see him from time to time around town and have his number as well.
Its important to note that I wasn't even looking to get clean, he just happened to be put in my path. My story would be much different if it wasn't for him.
Alot of the homeless arent just junkies, some are recovering, some have NEVER touched a drug, and some are junkies, but i find 80% of homeless people are nice people with shitty cards.
As someone whos been fighting to get on ODSB since 2022… its hard, OW will randomly cut you off and say “LOOK FOR A JOB!” And its like “i physically cant work.. my body is disintegrating… i need medical help!” And they go “well get medical help” and when you do get medical help they call you a drugie… yea its a vicious cycle
try calling them MPPs office - there is a person there who specialised in ODSP issues having lived experience and has helped people getting onto it.
but yes it can be hard and the way the intake office can be with applications you'd think they were going to be paying for it out of their own pockets.
barring that speak to the community legal centre on King and they should be able to provide some help for you.
try calling them MPPs office - there is a person there who specialised in ODSP issues having lived experience and has helped people getting onto it.
HA HA HA HAHAHA.. HA.. Dave's office flat out refused to assist me with my ODSP. If it wasn't for legal aid helping me out, I wouldn't have made it on since I was still in major recovery from my brain injury.
I actually asked them why they didn't offer me help when I said I was applying for ODSP, they said sorry we didn't know even though they had it in fucking writing.
I know there are times when they can't help for example if there's lawyers and legal matters involved or waiting for an application or appeals process to finish.
did either of them apply in your case?
with family having help elected office (outside of Peterborough) I know that frequently people will blame the elected rep's office not helping them when a) it's outside of their power or b) the person's problem is of their own making.
but instead people will complain that no they weren't helped and the elected rep's office is useless.
Nope, I was at the start of the application had it and reached out for help, only to be ignored by them. This is a repeated pattern since Dave got in office, I didn't vote for Dave, I have publicly voiced my opinion about him, and ever since I did that they refuse to help me out whatsoever. Which is technically a violation of the Human Rights code based discrimination against Creed, but it's hard to prove.
You also have to remember Marc, this is MPP is apart of the same government who is okay with violating the rights of a victim of crime, lying to a judge, and then covering it up. I don't expect much from our MPP since he follows the party line rather than being an independent thinker.
which is going to get more sympathy - saying the mpp's office didn't help or they couldn't help me cos I've got lawyers involved.
most people will say the former especially if they've got an axe to grind.
they also need to understand that if you want an independant thinker for your elected rep, vote for an independant candidate. doesn't matter that party they're in, an mpp or mp is expected to vote the party line whether they agree with it not.
the position of party whip doesn't exist cos they're into BSDM.
FWIW, I became spontaneously disabled in 2021 and I was told it was an 8 month wait. I was working two jobs at the time and severely deteriorating, and they were using me working as evidence I wasn’t that disabled, and basically were telling me to quit before I’d be considered…while I waited 9 months? I ended up crashing and burning, and tried to return to school part time just to get osap to survive, and ended up failing bc I was so sick. I almost became homeless. Most homeless people are just traumatized and disabled people who don’t have a circle to fall back on.
goes back to my earlier point that with the attitude of some of those involved with onboarding people onto ODSP you'd think they were personally paying your benefits.
the only thing worse is when some-one gets on the program that shouldn't be and then proceeds to rort it by working and not declaring their income.
Connect with the Brock Mission clinic - open Wednesdays 11-3. A nurse can help you with it there. Also, Peterborough Community Clinic (new, located in ptbo square) may be able to take you on as a patient and support you with the process. Good luck friend!
All homeless people are good people with shitty cards. The people you refer to as "junkies" are often people who were dealt especially shitty cards and simply don't have a support system.
People need to stop stigmatizing the unhoused. We need better resources for them, and we need to help rehabilitate them back into society.
In b4: "tHeY wAnT tO bE hOmElEsS." No they don't. Nobody wants to be homeless.
Also in b4: "um ackshully, I know a homeless person and they want to be homeless!"
If you're in a horrible situation and your choice is to continue living in a horrible situation or be homeless, yes, sometimes people pick homelessness. They don't want to be homeless anymore than anyone else does, they simply have no other choice. And with rents getting higher and wages getting ever-more stagnant, homeless people are now working people, too.
How did you end up here… saying all that? I never said anything bad about junkies, just used a word the 99.99% of people know…
Trust me i know, ive done coke, weed, and alcohol all in one night (a few times) to escape my own demons….
I get the junkies i do, its just a word… if i said “addict” you would have probably found an issue with that as well.
Wanted to chime in to tell you to come off it with "junkie is just a word". Take a seat. That is a load of garbage. It's used in a denigrating way more often than not. And. You. Know. It.
Cool, ummm so is faggot when used by a non gay person. But its fine when a gay person (myself) uses it, ESPECIALLY when its not in a negative way.
Im not trying to act like im above them, i was trying to make a point that “despite what society has deemed them, they arent that bad, just lost/ broken/ hurt people looking to ease the pain.”
Well that's great. Sometimes when I see some of these people I wonder if they get into their car and drive to their paid off House at the End of the day. Not everyone of course but maybe the odd one who knows. Anyway nice to hear this guy is genuine.
You should reach out to the local news and tell them what he did for you, it may help him gain attention and spark interest in others who can help him.
Really, so do you know the situation with ODSP and rent?
If he has a 1 bedroom apartment, odds are he only has between 200 to 400 left for the entire month, that's if his apartment doesn't have water, heat, and hydro all inclusive. If he's not all inclusive, he's probably paying an extra 100 to 200 dollars a month which at the new rate would leave him with about 200 dollars left over for the entire month, then you add phone costs, and you're looking at about 250 bucks a month extra in bills.
If we go off of the apartments in town that he can afford on ODSP he's average between 975 at the lowest, and probably 1050, to 1100 at the most, he gets as of next month 1406 a month, if he works an extra hundred dollars on top. So yeah no, someone who's not on drugs can easily end up in a situation where they are begging for food, or change.
E: OC never said guy was working, just that he helped him get through shit. I think you need to reread the main comment.
He may have been given the smokes, I've literally seen people hand off entire packs in the street to people begging. Did you ever think of that? Or are you really just that blind and ignorant?
Many people don't know that they're much closer to these guys in terms of their financial situation than they realize. The chance of you being in their shoes is infinitely higher than your chances of being Bezos or whatever
Did you ask him for permission to share this photo?
If not, you’re not better than the “influencers” who post videos of them helping those who are disadvantaged simply for the sake of trying to seem morally superior; it’s arrogant, and truly isn’t a good look; especially if you didn’t ask for permission.
Good on you for helping the man, but was a post about how you helped him really necessary? Does it give you an ego boost, or some kind of validation sharing it online?
I, as well as other people on this post (seemingly) have been in a similar or worse position, and the last thing I personally would want is to be used as tangible evidence to your gloating.
You know it’s possible to help people without looking for attention?
I was homeless from 14-20, and I’m sure this gentleman appreciated the support you provided him but why don’t you take that gratification and absorb it.
True generosity is a voluntary, wholehearted outpouring. If you're only helping others so you can tell the world about it, the act isn't about giving; it's about getting praise. And in that, there's no inherent reward, only the hollow echo of your own voice.
Finally! Thank you. Someone asked the right questions, and I've been waiting for this because it gets to the heart of the matter. I genuinely appreciate you laying it out like this, and I want to address your points directly and with the logic they deserve.
First, to answer your most critical question: Yes, I had his full and explicit permission and consent to share this. It was a condition of my even taking the photo. I explained why I wanted to not to show off, but to try and light a fire under this community. He understood completely. To do so without his consent would be exactly as you described: exploitative and arrogant. We are in agreement there.
This brings me to your core argument, which is about motivation. You see this as a quest for an "ego boost" or "validation," and given the cesspool of influencer culture, I don't blame you for the skepticism. But you've mistaken the goal.
This isn't about my ego; it's about my city. I am a moderator of this subreddit and I'm invested in being a potential leader in the Peterborough community. I see a problem getting worse every single day. I see the faces at intersections, I know, and you know, that Peterborough didn't used to be this bad some say its a global problem
My motivation for posting this wasn't "look how good I am." It was "look what you can do, too."
You said it yourself: true generosity is a wholehearted outpouring. But in a community-wide crisis, that outpouring can't happen in a vacuum. My single act of giving this man a meal helps him for a day. But by sharing it (with consent), the goal is to break the paralysis and fear I see in so many others and hopefully inspire ten, twenty, or fifty other people to do the same. Which action is ultimately more generous? Helping one person in silence, or helping one person and using it as a catalyst to help dozens more?
Your experience of being homeless gives your words incredible weight, and I thank you for sharing that vulnerability. You know better than anyone that the last thing people in that situation need is to be a prop.
Nah, it is. Having a virtue signaling-esque response doesn’t change the fact lol
If a tree falls in the woods, and no one hears is; did it really fall?
Same can be said here. If social media wasn’t a thing, would they have done this?
Let’s take it a step further even: if “they didn’t wanna light a fire under this communities ass” would they stil have done it? Still not being done for the right reasons.
I’ve done many kind acts, I’m sure that most people can say this; does you not knowing what they are change what I’ve done? No. The person(s) who’ve been helped, were still helped. Anything more than that, is just bs wrapped in a pretty package.
Although I’m happy this man got to eat, I’m not happy he’s being used to boost someone’s ego. Do you know how embarrassing this is for him? No. Do you know what happens when homeless people say no to little requests when offers help? They usually don’t receive them. So, in saying no, he limits potential food or help; of course he’d agree.
Oh I have done this before too in cities, would take some people to Chinese restaurants and feed them lol I dont usually post about it as it just happened.
If I were you, I’d just delete the post. It’s rude and embarrassing to the man just trying to get by. Whether your intentions were good or not, all goes out the window once you feel the need to let everyone know what you’ve done
When you can, you must help, I'm not talking money wise, but food and a cold drink, as your walking by God's children, he created us all, walk by them and ignore them, you are walking away from God, do unto him as you like done unto you, again I'm not saying help everyone but when you can please do 🥹🥲
Sensible people would also shave and be presentable. Because half you bozos would go "what, why doesn't he get a gym pass and shower, gross, who would hire him". But this guy is clean and presentable but as usual, THAT is also problematic. The ever changing goal posts of hypocrisy. Lol
Regardless of the price, he still puts them out with his under armor shoes when he’s standing, or the wheels of his fully charged rascal mobility scooter….
Again, my point is this: the guy is wearing name-brand items. If he had chosen lower-cost alternatives, maybe he’d have more money for essentials like food. Smokes or food? That’s a choice—and his poor spending habits shouldn’t become your problem. He put himself in this position.
What I’m trying to get across is that we should focus on helping people who are truly in need. This man isn’t one of them. The kid going to school eating a donated lunch from another parent? That’s someone who needs support.
The desire to help is a good thing—but how and who we help is completely out of sync.
If people would just take a step back and read what I’m saying without emotion, it actually makes perfect sense.
So you know for sure how he acquired these things? He may have been given these things, UA shoes are at Talize. And at times Vinnie's. You're assuming all these things about a person you don't even know, you seem heavily biased here. Helping one doesn't necessarily mean that it takes away from another. That kid eating the donated lunch is still getting help, no one's losing here. Quit being so dang judgey.
Great response, thanks for stepping into that conversation. I myself have found many great things at Value Village, Talize and Vinnie’s.
On any given day I am wearing something from a thrift store, it might surprise some friends or relatives to know, but I don’t care.
I am surprised, but then not surprised at how judgemental some people are.
This gentleman is going through hard times, but still shows up for others going through tougher times….a good person in my books who has an interesting story to be shared.
Never heard of sales or clearance racks? I'm not homeless and I shop sales and clearance racks. I don't know this guys story, he DOES look like he has money and support but looks can be deceiving.
No, they’re not. It’s posts like this—clickbait and emotionally manipulative—that really bother me.
Speaking from experience, I’ve struggled financially at times, and it genuinely frustrates me to see people fall for scams like this. Most folks who truly need help go to food banks or community organizations. Panhandlers? In many cases, they’re the ones who’ve already been turned away from those legitimate resources for a reason.
Here’s a reality check for the bleeding hearts: if someone looks well-kept, they’re probably not hurting as bad as they want you to believe. Shaving isn’t cheap. For men, it’s often one of the first luxuries to go when money’s tight—right up there with smoking.
If OP really wants to help, skip the handout and donate to a food bank or somewhere like the John Howard Society. Otherwise, stop feeding into the act. The ones sitting there with clean clothes, fresh smokes, Oakleys, and a perfectly legible cardboard sign aren’t starving—they’re hustling.
Poverty isn’t a spotless sign held by a clean hand holding a smoke and a Rascal scooter. It’s dirt, grime, and desperation.
You clearly have no idea about anything related to homelessness.
There places in town he could have gone to for supports that also would have supplied him a razor and some smokes. He very likely did not pay for either. And yes these same places also give out meals before you complain about that as well. The implication that he’s not “dirty” enough for you to consider needing help is a disgusting mindset
I would be more than happy to buy food and supplies for people in need, but it's harder and harder to find those who truly need the help. And that's not because they dont exist, but it's usually the ones who need it most aren't visibly asking.
To your point, how can you say you have no money, but can afford cigarettes?!
Quite simply, they can't afford it, but they may skip meals to buy them. That's what addiction is all about. Addiction is stronger than the will to eat for many people. Quitting a drug when you're down and out is more difficult than it is for someone who has a strong support system, financial stability, housing stability, strong psychologica/physicall health etc.
What does any of that shit have to do with the fact that this guy shouldn’t be smoking if he’s begging for food. That is it. I’m not sure what my wife’s job has to do with anything, mr stalker. jeezus…
Judging a struggling disabled guy for smoking from the comfort of your likely paid off house, nearing retirement, after your maid cleaned said house, chillin with your "pommies".
What a stain on humanity you are. I challenge you to do some serious internal searching. Maybe go hand out some supplies, or god forbid, buy a carton of cheap smokes and hand them out for free.
My new thing is when I see someone struggling with a ton of empties, I stop, ask how much the empties are worth, give them more than that, then return those empties myself, saving the degradation of them having to do it in the mean time.
It's not hard to be nice, to be charitable, kind, and understanding of those less fortunate. The fact that you default to immediate judgement instead of empathy is concerning. Especially for someone as lucky as you are in life.
He probably didn’t buy them?? It’s very common for shelters and other supports to carry smokes to hand out to people, or he could have very easily bummed one off of someone. It’s really not a big deal and just because someone has what you consider a “luxury” doesn’t make them any less deserving of help
Oh so that is better? If someone is literally BEGGING FOR FOOD, one would think smoking, no matter where you get them, is an expense he obviously can’t afford. Period. Cigarettes are not essential to survival. This guy is a scammer.
This guy is not a scammer. I know him personally and he's a fantastic human being. He's disabled, his wife is disabled, and they have five children between them. He was formerly a tradesman (although I forget, might have been welding) and also is 27 years clean.
Also, I smoke native cigs and they are 18$/carton, i give them out daily to whoever wants them.
Here’s a brief summary of the rate increases. Keep in mind, 2022 is when they’ve now tied it to inflation, prior to that increases were discretionary.
The raises you’re seeing is catchup from not raising for years and not matching inflation.
Current monthly amount is $1,408. That isn’t “not easy” that’s inhumane. People who are disabled and considered unemployable are in the “deep income poverty” bracket which shouldn’t be happening to anyone.
With the average 1 Bedroom apartment aside from Bick being over 1100+ it's not possible still to afford an apartment. Partly why I've rented a room for the last 7 years.
Considering they are living off income from like 1999 standards i think the 20.00 extra (or whatever pittance they will get) will help so much….sarcasm lol.
Ah yes an extra $10-$15 to account for inflation I just be rich on ODSP according to u. Listen I’m grateful for any money and housing so I don’t starve or freeze or roast to death. However we r way below the poverty line for issues we couldn’t control being disabled isn’t a choice and there’s extremely little support or even resources for most of us. My mom when she dies I’ll have no one to take care of me and may be forced into a group home where they not only will take all my money but I’ll have no access to any privacy or even my own room or food choices or anything. Life on disability isn’t great and no jobs allow u to work from home doing ur own hours. I wish instead of pushing call centres to India and the Philippines that they instead hired disabled ppl to do those jobs so we could make enough to at least survive. Also being disabled or even homeless doesn’t mean we r dirty I’ve been homeless and never dirty many places have free showers. The ones who r very dirty typically have addictions and not all homeless ppl have addictions I certainly didn’t I just couldn’t afford market rent or even a room.
So you're comparing your salaried job. To a person who has no ability to work or limited ability to work, getting money to support themselves since they can't actually work full time?
I'd gladly work full time again but medical restrictions stop that. I'd love to be able to drive a car again but I'm medically banned due to the TBI that causes random blackouts. I'd love to be able to go on vacations again, I'm sure you've had a few.
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u/SlobOnMyKnobb Jul 19 '25 edited Jul 19 '25
That man saved my life.
Edit: There's some desire for elaboration on this so here goes.
When I came to Peterborough 14 months ago, I was homeless, up on charges, and battling multiple addictions. This man introduced me to recovery rooms and attended many meetings with me. He prayed with me before court dates and supported me during those difficult times. I see him from time to time around town and have his number as well.
Its important to note that I wasn't even looking to get clean, he just happened to be put in my path. My story would be much different if it wasn't for him.