Robert Milton Carries the Olympic Torch

Ric Matthews and RObert Milton on the day the Olympic torch came to our neighbourhood

The Downtown Eastside and Strathcona community turned out in full force on the streets to welcome the Olympic torch on February 12th. Flame bearer Robert Milton, a member of the First United Church community was so proud of his opportunity to carry the flame that he was seen for many days afterwards wearing his Olympic jacket and carrying the torch. People would stop on the street to speak to him and to see the torch. Rev. Sandra Severs describes how she was working in her office a couple of days after the torch relay went through the community and she heard the sound of First Nations’ singing on the street. She says “Out of curiosity I left my office and went further down the hall to see where it was coming from. There was Robert out on the street holding his torch and a man standing beside him singing a song. It was powerful to listen to and moving to hear such a song on Hastings Street. Having the torch relay go through this community has meant a lot to people. Everyone wants to believe in the Olympic dream, ”