Photo by Corey Keegan
GOODWILL MEETING – George Stewart (left), about to become the recipient of a significant gift, is seen Sunday afternoon. Midge Freeman and Brian Whitfield, above, played a hand in organizing an online effort to help Stewart, which received donations from 228 individuals.
A fundraising effort for George Stewart, a local man who was recently robbed of his artistic inventory,
A fundraising effort for George Stewart, a local man who was recently robbed of his artistic inventory, met its goal on Aug. 8 and saw the dividends of the efforts on Sunday.
The man, who local residents might know simply as George, sells his “mammoth ivory” wares at the intersection of Main Street and Second Avenue in downtown Whitehorse. He was surprised by the help that has come his way.
The oracle of Main Street may see all that goes on from his spot on the corner, but he didn’t see this one coming.
The people of Whitehorse raised $10,105 for Stewart (from 228 individuals) as an act of kindness to help him overcome the loss of the craft he sells to help provide for himself.
The unguarded items were stolen from the McDonald’s restaurant on Fourth Avenue several weeks ago while he was visiting the washroom.
It should be noted that what Stewart will receive is slightly less than that, due to transaction fees from credit card processors and the like. But it’s still, of course, a considerable gift.
Stewart was made aware of the gift on Sunday, and responded with an authentic shine of surprise.
“Holy s---,” he said when he first glanced at the gift.
“I’ll get new boots, a new hat, and a jacket,” said Stewart. “The rest will be given to my family.”
Having the money go to family members may assuage concerns some had voiced about the gift interfering with Stewart’s social assistance payments.
Midge Freeman originally posted the story of Stewart’s ordeal to the Yukon Helpers Network, which is active on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ groups/YukonHelpersNetwork.
She said she had heard multiple concerns about the campaign adversely affecting his social assistance arrangements.
“People were very concerned about him losing his income support, it felt as if they were all mad at me for just trying to help.
“I’m so glad he’s got this gift now as it will go towards his family and ways to keep creating.
“It’s all up to him what he does with it ultimately, and he knows that,” said Freeman.
It was that original post that prompted Brian Whitfield to participate in organizing the fundraiser.
Whitfield is pleased with the result, and acknowledges it was many, not few, who made the effort successful.
“This gift is all from the community of Whitehorse. I was just the organizer,” he said.
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Comments (7)
Up 19 Down 0
SH on Aug 18, 2022 at 11:29 am
Always nice seeing George selling his art. Purchased ivory earrings from him for my wife (then girlfriend) a few years back. Glad the community was able to help him out after he was robbed!
Up 27 Down 1
Yay George! on Aug 17, 2022 at 4:01 pm
George is legit.
We had a spring snow storm last year and I saw George shoveling the sidewalk out of Riverdale to Rotary Park (and beyond) BY HAND.
Even before City crews were clearing the streets.
Up 20 Down 12
Taylor LaChapelle on Aug 17, 2022 at 7:08 am
I don’t think putting the exact amount raised, on the Whitehorse star was a good idea. Everyone knows that there was a fundraiser put up, and he got a considerable amount of money.
They specifically said on the Go fund me, that the amount will be disclosed, same with a meeting place to give him the amount. I think this article and the person who wrote it should put in more thought and edit that part out, specifically for his and his family’s safety.
Up 7 Down 18
Nathan Living on Aug 16, 2022 at 6:55 pm
This fundraiser reminds me of how Whitehorse used to be.
I think Mayor and Council should strike a committee which more or less randomly rewards deserving people, an act of kindness which usually involves financial assistance.
Nominations for this committee should reflect our cities diversity and inclusiveness.
Up 33 Down 2
Herman Kaglik on Aug 16, 2022 at 5:31 pm
Awesome story, he certainly deserves this.
Thank you to the organizers.
Up 102 Down 7
MITCH on Aug 16, 2022 at 4:08 pm
You're a good man George, an artist, a patron and a pillar of Main Street and the community. I appreciate anyone willing to ply any trade to make ends meet and I am proud of our community for stepping up to help a guy who sincerely deserves our appreciation. Keep carving my man! And to the folks who came up with the fundraiser, you have good hearts, thank you.
Up 89 Down 3
Al on Aug 16, 2022 at 3:52 pm
Pleased to have been a part of this. Hats off to Brian and Midge. Real happy for George.