|
|
 |
| |
From left, Bimal KC, Ramesh Udas, Anil Kumar, Peter Johnston, Mohan Makani, Suresh Ads and Moe Moe Than |
Kind Peter a real market force again
‘Philanthropist’ stalls manager breaks own record with £3,000 Hamper Appeal donation
VERY little changes for Peter Johnston, who has managed Camden Market for 30 years.
On top of his duties as market manager, he runs a stall in Camden Town’s Buck Street, selling clothes otherwise destined for the dump for pennies and gives all the money to charity.
In fact the only thing that does seem to change is the weight of the piggy bank he hands over to the New Journal Christmas Hamper Appeal each year.
This year was no exception, smashing his previous record with the massive sum of £3,000.
His friends this week described Mr Johnston as the “baggy trousered philanthropist of Camden” in honour of his dedication to others and his hard-working mentality, and drew parallels between him and the ragged-trousered benefactors from Robert Tressell’s classic novel.
Market boss Colin Matthews said: “He is a wonderful man who deserves plaudits whether he likes it or not. He cares. He’s a genuine philanthropist with baggy trousers.”
Mr Matthews said that while the market gave him the stall for free, Mr Johnston was the driving force behind the charity drive.
“This thing he does, he does it himself,” he added.
Mr Johnston was modest, as usual, describing his efforts as nothing more than “a habit”.
But he did concede it was “good to know the old people get something”.
“We would only throw the clothes away otherwise,” he added.
As usual, stallholders who contributed stock to Mr Johnston’s stall struggled to help him lift the cash for the annual photocall, and New Journal reporters manfully battled to lug the monster piggy bank back to the office.
Where to send your gift
|
 |
|
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
|
