Hundreds of people have signed an online petition asking Cineplex to cover the cost of a funeral for a beloved Toronto ticket-taker.
James Loader, 83, worked as a ticket collector at Scarborough's Morningside Cinema for 55 years. He formed personal relationships with customers, becoming a fixture in the community.
He was so well-liked that a Facebook page was started several years ago, where friends of the senior could post photos and stories. The page has more than 2,000 members.
The senior worked his last day at the cinema on New Year's Day, and then died two days later.
Upon learning of his death, Cineplex posted a message on Twitter saying they were "saddened by the loss," and that Loader "will be missed."
Mourners are asking Cineplex Odeon President and CEO Ellis Jacob to cover the costs of the man's funeral.
"He struggled financially and his family is unable to provide him with the memorial he deserves," an online petition reads.
"Many fans of his believe it would be the right thing to do if Cineplex covered his funeral expenses."
The petition has been signed by 513 people so far, many of whom left comments sharing their memories of the elderly man.
"Sometimes we remember most the people who do the smallest things," one woman wrote on the page.
"James was significant to our community, and was one of the reasons why my family returned to this theatre after we moved away from the immediate area," another posted.
"He was an unbelievably kind man and gave his all as an employee," a woman wrote, saying she'd worked with him for two years.
"He loved being at Cineplex because he said being around young people gave him life. He gave his all to Cineplex for decades, and in his death, I hope Cineplex can do the same."
