Sometimes the most meaningful community initiatives don’t start with a big plan. They start with simply wanting to help.
Hannahlyn’s Backpacks began eight years ago when a local mom and her young daughter had friends heading into Calgary to cut hair for people experiencing homelessness. Wanting to support that effort in a practical way, they began putting together backpacks that could be handed out alongside those haircuts. What started as a small gesture quickly grew into something much bigger.
Today, Hannahlyn’s Backpacks continues to quietly and consistently make a difference, one backpack at a time.
Why Backpacks Matter
After spending time talking with people living on the streets, one need stood out clearly: a way to carry their belongings.
Many people experiencing homelessness were using garbage bags to hold everything they owned. Backpacks offered dignity, durability, and practicality. It was something that could make everyday life just a little easier. From that moment on, backpacks became the foundation of the initiative.
What Goes Into the Backpacks
Hannahlyn’s Backpacks provides both winter and summer bags, tailored to seasonal needs.
Winter backpacks typically include:
- Mitts
- Toques
- Scarves
- Warm clothing
Summer backpacks focus on:
- Water bottles
- Hats
- Sunscreen
In addition to seasonal items, backpacks often include toiletries, snacks, and other essentials that many of us take for granted.
Getting the Backpacks to Those Who Need Them
The backpacks are distributed through trusted groups that work directly with people experiencing homelessness in Calgary, including:
- Street Sister Society
- Crazy Indian Brotherhood
- The Mustard Seed
- Local individuals who regularly go out to help
The goal is to support each group at least once a year. Many people experiencing homelessness try to stay out of sight, often living in vehicles or moving frequently, which makes partnerships like these essential for reaching them.
Breaking Down Misconceptions
One of the biggest challenges is changing how people view homelessness.
There’s a common misconception that everyone on the streets is dangerous or struggling with addiction. While addiction does exist, many people are simply facing circumstances such as mental health challenges or the inability to afford housing anymore. Hannahlyn’s Backpacks exists not just to provide supplies, but to remind people that homelessness can happen to anyone.
When the Need Is Greatest
Backpacks are needed year-round, but demand rises sharply around Christmas and during extreme cold. These are the times when warm clothing, toiletries, and simple comforts make the biggest difference.
One especially memorable moment happened outside The Mustard Seed, where a man experiencing homelessness played Christmas songs on his guitar as backpacks were being handed out. Moments like these, filled with gratitude, prayers, and kind words, stay with the volunteers long after the day is over.
Many people have called them “angels,” but they see themselves simply as neighbors helping neighbors.
A Year-Round Effort
Hannahlyn’s Backpacks operates all year, typically distributing about 50 backpacks at a time, totaling at least 200 backpacks annually and more whenever donations allow.
The feedback is always positive. People are grateful that someone cares, and many are especially touched to learn that a child does much of the work. Hannahlyn began helping when she was just six years old, proving that age is no barrier to compassion.
Community Support in Okotoks
The Okotoks community has played a huge role in keeping this initiative going. Local support has included:
- Donations of supplies and funds
- Media coverage in the Western Wheel and Okotoks Eagle
- Awards recognizing Hannahlyn’s efforts
Fundraisers have also helped along the way, including poppy sales for veterans hosted by Main Street Marketplace and Country Living, and a fundraising campaign run by Evan’s Carpet Cleaning.
Challenges Along the Way
The biggest challenge is funding. As costs rise and families face their own financial pressures, donations are harder to come by. Yet the need hasn’t gone away. It’s only grown.
Looking Ahead: Goals and Hopes
The goal is simple: do more, reach more, and help more people.
In addition to backpacks, Hannahlyn’s Backpacks also sends Christmas cards to troops overseas. What started with a single encounter. Meeting a homeless war veteran who just wanted someone to talk to. It has now grown into an annual tradition. This year alone, 500 cards were sent, with hopes to increase that number every year.
How You Can Help
The most helpful ways to support Hannahlyn’s Backpacks include:
- Monetary donations (receipts are provided showing exactly what is purchased)
- Donations of:
- Mitts and toques
- Toiletries (toothpaste, toothbrushes, brushes)
- Snacks
- Water bottles
- Coffee gift cards
- Old but working cell phones
Get in Touch
If you’d like to donate or learn more, you can connect through:
A Final Message: Just Be Kind
The heart of Hannahlyn’s Backpacks is a simple reminder: kindness matters.
Anyone can help. You’re never too young or too old. It doesn’t have to cost money — even a smile, a greeting, or a short conversation can mean more than you realize. People experiencing homelessness often say they just want to be seen, heard, and treated like humans.
Don’t walk by. Say hello. Be kind.
Because sometimes, that small moment of care is what makes all the difference.
Colin and Amanda
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