PAUL  I am a passionate Mickey Mouse collector and have been collecting 'all things Mickey' for over 30 years. I came from a very dysfunctional background as a youth, and was placed into Foster homes and Group homes. I remained in foster care until I was 18 years old.

When I was in my early 20’s I remember picking up this small plastic Mickey Mouse at a garage sale. It brought back memories of good things that children think about when things are not so good. It brought to mind times when we would go to the theatre on Main street in Hamilton. We would pay once on a Monday night and the theatre manager would then let us kids come the rest of the week for free. I loved it, and enjoyed the fact that they always showed Disney cartoons before the feature film. Mickey Mouse was always my favorite.

That good feeling of laughing and enjoying those moments stuck with me. I guess if I were to analyze it, I could say that Mickey Mouse saved me many times when life was not so grand. I still get extremely excited when people hear about my collection and would like to see it. I really like to show it to everyone, especially kids who over the years have given me Mickey items to share in my wonderment of Mickey Mouse.

My enthusiasm for ‘all things Mickey’ went a tailspin last year when Disneyland invited my son and I to California. We were brought for a private behind the scenes look at the Disney Archives and received a private tour of the of the park attractions. They also filmed our stay and are creating a documentary about my story. They even visited my home to capture extra footage, and were basking in awe at the magnitude of my collection.

Then I came across The Collectors, and I am thrilled to be able to showcase my collection to the world. I will also be sharing my concert ticket collection ranging from The Beatles (Aug.17.1965) to present day.