A Kelowna bus driver has launched a fundraiser for “a local guy, doing a local job who needs a little local help.”

The local guy is Greg Jarvis and he suffered a stroke earlier in the month, leaving him unable to do his job as a local bus driver.

“As a casual bus driver, he doesn’t get any benefits,” said Peter Lansing, who has put together the fundraiser.

To receive medical Employment Insurance benefits, he’ll have to wait six weeks and in that time a lot of bills will add up.

“He’s a single father of two children, and his rent is $1,600 a month,” said Lansing.

It’s unclear when, or if, Jarvis will be able to work again. As of Monday he was unable to get off the couch, and had a patch overhis left eye and was largely blind in his right.

“He is very exhausted and stiff,” said Lansing, adding that when he visited Jarvis in the hospital he was told that he can’t getemotional, answer the phone or the door.

Some family help has come in, but they will be returning to their lives shortly.

That leaves Jarvis and his daughters here alone, which worries Lansing.

“I think this just hit close to home,” he said. “I have kids and I’m a casual bus driver and I’m a little overweight… he’s only in hisearly 40s.”

Lansing said he’s just hoping to help support the family through the tough patch.

“There are a lot of compassionate people here,” said Lansing.

To help go to https://www.gofundme.com/fundraiser-for-brother-greg-jarvis