Peter Estey is frequently seen in the Glebe with a plastic cup in his hand and his signature crutches. Although one might assume that he is a homeless person, that it not the case. Peter has an apartment that he pays for with the help of the government. However, after paying his rent, he is left with approximately $50 per month for himself.

That does not faze him though, because he has learned to appreciate the little things he has in his life. After inheriting some family money in 1971, Peter took a year-long trip to India that resonates with him to this day. The trip gave him “a better perspective of how a lot of poor people live. It takes a lot to upset me now.” Travelling around the country with nothing but money and friends allowed Peter to comprehend the lives of those around him.

“My mother brought me up to not be prejudiced. So I met people from all different castes. And me being white it elevated me to the top caste. I had really interesting experiences. Like a friend I met, he invited me to his place and it was in the middle of a slum. Oh man those slums smell horrid. He treated me to dinner and it was very good. So when I was leaving, I left an envelope with 20 bucks and holy hell after that…I knew that 20 bucks would buy him a lot of rice or whatever…I had enough money and I could spread it around and help people out. It made a big difference to them…It made you appreciate what you have in Canada a lot more.”

Even after 45 years, Peter continues to live with the values that he learned while spending a year abroad. On the rainiest of days, he pulls out his umbrella and reminds himself that there are millions of people that have it a lot worse than he does. “Some people get upset about the rain but I just go ‘hey! At least you don’t have to shovel it!”

Author: Hunza Chaudhary