Toronto-based chalk artist Dave Johnston spends most of his waking hours turning drab slabs of concrete into dazzling works of art. He loves putting smiles on faces and using his art to inspire the hordes of urbanites who far too often find themselves sleep-walking through an artless metropolis.

In return, appreciative locals and tourists toss him toonies and loonies. And he needs every cent he can get --- Johnston's daughter lives in Halifax, and as often as he can he flies out to see her. Anyone who's taken to the skies lately knows that the rising costs of fuel have affected tickets prices, so you would figure Johnston would be ecstatic to learn he won $5000 at Indigo recently.

He was, but he didn't hold onto the cash for long. Instead, he instantly began sharing the winnings with other shoppers, handing out a slew of $40 gift cards. What many consider a remarkable act of generosity, Johnston simply considers the right thing to do.

"A bunch of kids get some toys at Christmas...they think to themselves 'wow some complete stranger actually cares.' That might help inspire them to become better individuals as they grow up."

He also bought toys for children with the money and donated what was left to a reading program. "He instantly found out he won $5,000," said Janet Eger, Indigo Books and Music. "Grabbed a handful of gift cards, put $40 on each of them and gave them to all of the customers in the lineup around him."

As a chalk artist Johnston know all about relying on the kindness of strangers --- after all, he uses change people give him to make ends meet and finance his trips to see his daughter. So he was more than happy for the chance to return the favour.

"Look at these people here," he said from the corner of Yonge and Dundas, where he's currently working. "They've given me all their toonies and loonies, they give me a little of what they have. It's kind of like doing the same back."

"There's no sense in winning five grand at something and not enjoying it. I definitely enjoyed it."

---

Longwoods (In collaboration with the Ontario Hospital Association) featured the ChalkMaster at HealthAchieve 2007. He was an instant hit as his drawing skills honoured Hillary Short's career at the OHA. For a little history on Chalkmaster Click here: https://www.citynews.ca/news/news_26067.aspx

Comments

Be the first to comment on this!