The torchbearer who had the honour of lighting the community cauldron Thursday night in Vancouver is known by many as "Saint Ken."
That's because for the past 15 years, Ken Lyotier has helped countless homeless people survive in the Downtown Eastside.
Lyotier was "living rough" for years, but he managed to go from binner to business man.
In 1995, he turned his bottle collecting into a non-profit recycling program – United We Can -- that gives the area's citizens the dignity of work.
"It took us a long time to organize ourselves to move along -- mind you we were a bunch of people scratching, addicted and homeless," he told CTV News.
Though he no longer manages the operation, he still volunteers a few shifts a week just to help out.
His contributions have garnered numerous awards and commendations, including a Medal for Meritorious Service from the Governor General of Canada.
Those who know Lyotier say it makes perfect sense that the city chose him to carry the torch.
"It's a real honour. And he deserves it," said Mike Doak. "He started out here in the back alleys. Helpin' the people down here. There was no thought for himself."
Lyotier said he carried the torch Thursday night on behalf of every Canadian who is fighting poverty, homelessness or substance abuse.
He said if Canadians can pull off a successful Games, they should be able to solve homelessness and poverty here and everywhere else in the country.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Peter Grainger
