Growing up in the Old East Village, Gary Turner has always witnessed many people in need.
Turner says he didn’t have the means growing up to help many people when he was accepting help himself. He’s always wanted to do more but has never been in the right position.
After COVID hit, Turner saw how it impacted so many people in his neighbourhood who were already struggling day-to-day. Now, himself being in a much better position, he has decided to dedicate his time to doing what he can to give back.
“Now I just kind of feel like it’s time I gave something back”
Down the Line by Gary Turner
Turner is a full time student in the photography program at Fanshawe College. In his spare time he offers professional and artistic photography through his freelance business, House of Elrond Photography/Media.
The rest of the time you can find Turner dressed up as a clown.
“When I was a kid I was terrified of clowns. I don’t know why, but I really hated sad clowns in particular. Part of the reason why I decided to go out and give stuff to people was because I wanted to break out of my shell. So I thought, why don’t I use something I’m afraid of to go face my fears.”
Although he may look sad, Sad Gaz the Hobo isn’t your typical sad clown. The persona put on by Turner only has one agenda, and that’s to spread kindness throughout the neighbourhood Turner grew up in. Turner says everyday he walks out his front door and sees people on the streets who are in need.
Gary Turner as Sad Gaz the Hobo
Sad Gaz the Hobo
Turner has been collecting donations directly to hand out to people in his neighbourhood. He says donating to vulnerable populations is something he has always done but it wasn’t until Sad Gaz that he decided to go out and personally deliver to those in need.
“I usually start at my house near Elizabeth Street and make my way downtown,” he said. “From where I live all the way downtown, there’s people in need all the way up Dundas Street. So usually by the time I hit downtown, I loop through Victoria Park to York Street and by then I’ve usually ran out of everything.”
Turner says he gains most of his donations through friends and Facebook. Utilizing community Facebook groups to reach out, from there he organizes pick-up and drop-off times to collect the donations. He has recently set up a Facebook page of his own to allow people to reach out to him directly.
How Sad Gaz carries donations around the London downtown core
“There are people who need help who can’t stay safe.”
Since the pandemic many people have become spontaneously unemployed which has led to more people relying on community programs to get themselves through. Unfortunately, one thing Turner has noticed is that less people are out helping because of the pandemic.
Giving things to people who you know need it is so much more beneficial than donating it to larger companies where you know someone is making a profit, the Freelance Photographer said.
Donations
While any form of donation is welcomed, Turner says there has been an increased need for blankets, warm clothing, male clothing, toiletries and masks while making his rounds with his hobo cart.
“I’ve received a lot of summer clothes which makes sense because people are going through their closets this time of year and getting rid of all there summery things,” he said. “I’ve also noticed that majority of the donations I receive are women’s clothing while the majority of people I see living on the streets are male.”
“I was given a fur coat the other day. I’m not just going to give that to just anyone. I’ll wait for someone who has no coat.”
When it comes to the distributions of donations, the clown cosplayer says people have been rather respectful and understanding, people only take what they need.
“If you come up to me and say you need a pair of shoes, that’s fine. But if you have shoes and theres a lady beside you who has shoes that are falling off; i’ll kindly ask the shoes are given to the person who needs them most.”
When it comes to cash donations, Turner says he doesn’t wish to ask for them or accept them. Cash can make things complicated and I’d never want someone to get the wrong impression, said Turner. In turn, creating “blessing bags” and donating those can be a useful way to use your cash when you don’t have much else to offer.
Types of hygiene products that can be bought at your local dollar store
Blessing bag ideas that can be purchased at a dollar store:
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Bottled water or reusable bottle
- Deoderant
- Tissues
- Combs/ hairbrushes
- Gum
- Granola or Protein bars
- Non-perishable snacks (i.e. trail mix or fruit gummies)
- Warm socks, mittens, scarves and hats
- Hothands hand-warmers or sole-warmers
“I’m just happy to be able to do what I’m doing because it’s clearly something people need.”
Although clowns aren’t everyones cup of tea, Turner says that he’s been getting a rather positive response from the community. No one has managed to be upset with him, other than the odd frightened child, he laughed. The few first days he decided to go out as Sad Gaz, he was given a few odd looks but once people see his cart a smile appears and sometimes even a thank you for what the clown is doing.
When asked if Turner ever sees himself going out without his Sad Gaz persona, he explained that it’s a help me help you scenario.
“(As Sad Gaz) I don’t have so much of an issue saying hello to strangers anymore,” he said. “If I can bring myself up, I should bring others up with me. That’s always been my motto.”
Delivering donations directly to London’s vulnerable population not only helps Turner conquer his social- anxieties, but it brings a smile to the faces of people who need it most.
So for now, Sad Gaz is here to stay.
Nearly 62% of London’s population experiences chronic homelessness, (Homeless Hub, 2018).
Almost 60% are staying in emergency/ domestic violence shelters (Homeless Hub, 2018).
If you’d like to reach out to Gary Turner for direct donations you can do so here: Sad Gaz the Hobo.
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