Last week Canadian photographer, Steve Gerecke, suffered a major blow when his van containing all his photography equipment and his customised wheelchair, worth an estimated $30,000 was stolen.

After the story hit the media, people all over the globe reached out to support Gerecke. He has been flooded with offers from money to free rentals.

“It’s given me hope in myself and hope in humanity,” Gerecke said. “It’s like getting hit by a train but then a big puffy pillow on the other side prevents me from flying through the air . . . I feel embraced and protected by it.”

Local businessman Patrick Dion said “The Ottawa community is coming together to see whether or not we can help re-purchase some of the equipment needed for Steve to do his job, plus his chair.”

If you are in Canada anyone who sees a red 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan with the Ontario license plate BLJ A099 is asked to call police.