We never know when we’re going to need a hand so let’s remember to help each other, says a Victoria resident who was helped by a homeless person after she tripped and fell downtown.
A commentary by a Victoria resident.
It has been over a week since I tripped and fell on Blanshard Street. My cuts and bruises are fading, but my memory of who actually came to my aid will be with me for a very long time.
On Saturday, June 7, 2025, just before 2 p.m., I tripped on an uneven sidewalk on Blanshard at View Street. I landed on my face. Well-dressed people scurried by, careful not to step on me … but didn’t stop.
A man sleeping in a doorway jumped up, surveyed the scene, made sure the contents of my purse was secured and told me to stay put as he performed a primary first-aid sweep.
He asked me a series of questions to determine my condition, he then helped me up and assured me that my valuables were secured. He looked at my face, bleeding from my lip and nose.
He apologized that the napkins in his pocket weren’t sanitary and to keep the pressure with my hand.
He asked for my name and if he could take me somewhere safe. I explained I was just on my lunch break from work. My work was close by.
I asked for his name. Marcel, he said. Marcel insisted on walking me back to work. I protested, as this would mean he would have to leave all of his valuables behind. He told me that if someone were to take something, they obviously needed it and he would make do.
On our walk he kept apologizing for his state. He was embarrassed that the napkins and tissues he had weren’t clean enough to use. He kept checking in on me, evaluating my condition as we approached the office building.
When we arrived, I thanked him for seeing me and helping, when others hurried by.
Marcel said he understood being invisible, “but we need to look out for each other.”
I gave him some cash. He said, “no, no, that isn’t why I helped.”
I explained that it would make me feel better, knowing he had left all his valuables behind to walk me back.
I work downtown, I walk to and from work. Yes, I am sad to see the under-served, but I don’t feel unsafe.
This episode of those well-fed, well-dressed, just stepping around a person on the ground who needed help, affirmed my feelings that they, too, are uncomfortable. Instead of approaching our under-served citizens with compassion, they claim safety issues and how it is an “unsightly” mess downtown.
Let’s foster a spirit like Marcel, let’s look out for each other and if someone needs something, let’s help out. I am sure we can all make do.
(P. S. Our sidewalks being uneven are more likely to be a safety issue than those who have to sleep on them.)
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