A robbed Ottawa photographer says his faith in humanity is restored after being flooded with offers of help.
Steve Gerecke’s van was stolen late Thursday night, along with his photography equipment and specialized wheelchair - $30,000 worth of gear gone.
After CTV Ottawa first aired his story Saturday, it helped trigger a wave of support from strangers as far away as Europe and Australia.
A fundraiser with some of Ottawa’s top chefs is also in the works.
"It's given me hope in myself and hope in humanity," Gerecke said.
"It's like getting hit by a train but then a big puffy pillow on the other side prevents me from flying through the air . . . I feel embraced and protected by it."
Gerecke said he spent all of Saturday responding to offers of money, free rental equipment, taxi rides and wheelchairs.
Local businessman Patrick Dion also tweeted CTV Ottawa with an offer to open a bank account for Gerecke and give the first donation once they’re open, after which the two were put in touch.
"The Ottawa community is coming together to see whether or not we can help re-purchase some of the equipment needed for Steve to do his job, plus his chair," Dion said.
"I'm not suggesting we can all gather together to help Steve get his van back but maybe that's a possibility as well."
Gerecke is living with arthrogryposis, a non-progressive disease that weakens muscles and affects movement in his joints.
He said his stolen wheelchair let him mount lights and other equipment to the back, allowing him to keep working.
"I bought my original camera from drawing chalk in the market, and if I have to do that again I will,” he said. “I'll survive."
Anyone who sees a red 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan with the Ontario license plate BLJ A099 is asked to call police.
'Fund for Steve Gerecke'
Donations at any Scotiabank branch in Canada.
Inter-bank e-transfers can be directed to: fundforstevegerecke@gmail.com
With a report from CTV Ottawa’s Stefanie Masotti
