It will be a good Christmas for a man living in a little red sailboat in Humber Bay.

More than #4,000 has been raised in a Go Fund Me by Humber Bay Shores residents to help a man, identified as Tate, who has several dogs living with him in a small sailboat.

Area residents have been monitoring the man as it gets cold to ensure he is fine.

Residents who have spoken to Tate says he lives in the sailboat rather than staying in homeless shelters.

“He was able to save up enough money to buy this inexpensive boat to live on with his doggies rather than going in and out of shelters,” writes Melanie M., who is organizing the fundraiser.
“We are hoping to raise funds for him to get the boat winterized and at a safe place to dock for him and the doggies.”

Area residents say the man spends most of his time in the Lakeshore Blvd. W., and Windermere Blvd. area.

Donors are trying to find the man a place to store his boat for the winter, but most places are filled.

“Tate wakes up with a smile on his face knowing there’s enough good in this world for him to keep him going every single day” writes Melanie, who says he has had a hard life.

Some residents from Humber Bay Shores have been buying Tate and his dogs food and supplies.

“For as long as he can remember he has only eaten one meal a day,” Melanie writes on social media. “He is quite happy being able to have an extra snack at night.”

Tate plans to use some of the funds donated to help others at Christmas who are living on the streets.

“He usually has to stand at the corner to make that money, but this year he feels a weight off his shoulders,” she says. “He doesn’t have to be out there begging.”

She says since the news broke she has received e-transfers totaling more than $835 and people are leaving items at her condo.

“As well as supplies, food and essential items which are being dropped off at the concierge desk at my building,” she says.

She says Tate is ”truly filled with joy by the generosity and gestures of kindness everybody in this neighbourhood is showing him.”

Some of the funds will be used to purchase materials and items as gas for his boat and food for his dogs.

Donations can be made at Go Fund Me.