Yaletown residents raise funds for street sweeper after theft

Yaletown residents have raised more than $4,500 for Todd Stanley-Machowski after his wheelchair, phone and other belongings were stolen while he was cleaning broken glass.

Stanley-Machowski has spent about 15 years sweeping litter, cigarette butts and debris from the streets and Seawall paths around Yaletown. He relies heavily on a wheelchair because of health issues.

He said he began cleaning part of the neighbourhood after arriving in Vancouver, both to keep busy and to move away from earlier parts of his life. The work quickly made a positive difference for him, he said.

Residents Della Vorshuk and her husband, Andre, organized a GoFundMe to replace what was taken and help cover necessities. Andre described Stanley-Machowski as a familiar and valued presence in the neighbourhood.

Stanley-Machowski said he did not seek attention, but was grateful for the support from a community he cares about.