Episode 4 Tender is the Night

The night is full of tender mercies, when the human heart can avert the light of day, and whisper its secrets.

Anishinabe Street Patrol

Robert is a native Canadian from out west, who settled into Toronto several years ago. In his late thirties, he is self-contained - the strong, silent type who generally drives the van. Robert has lived through his own hell on the streets, and has come back to help out. Far from a bleeding liberal, he believes in personal responsibility, and thinks many street people are avoiding their "big decision."

Jackie is now in her fifties. She came from Guyana 27 years ago. A one-time caterer and mother of grown children, she began volunteering for the street patrol several years ago. She finally gave into her urges, quit her day life, and came on board full-time as a paid midnight shifter. She lives by a simple motto: "Love all. Serve all."

Wolfe Skorzik, Tow Truck Driver

Wolfe, 37 years old, bought his first tow truck at age 19. His father owned a tow truck company north of Toronto, so it's in his blood. Wolfe's company, "JP Towing", covers Spadina to Humber and Lakeshore to Lawrence. Tow truck drivers often get to an accident first (within two minutes) as there are usually six or more trucks parked at every 401 exit - waiting. Ambulances get there in 4 to 6 minutes.

Mark Meyer, Room Service

Mark Meyer, a 26-year-old Room Service Attendant, has worked at The Royal York Fairmont Hotel for over two years, and has been in the service industry for 11. He loves to work nights because of the freedom and the autonomy it allows. The small night crew are like a little family to him. He says they've all become naturally close, and the bond is reinforced by knowing that most of the rest of the world is sleeping when they are hard at work.