Since 2011, this annual back-to-school event has helped thousands of low-income children and their families make a stressful time of year easier. Each year, we provide free backpacks filled with school supplies, nutritious food hampers, high-quality haircuts, assorted personal hygiene products, and more to local families and children in need. This event is free of charge for families to attend and helps kids in need go back to school with confidence and all the right tools for success.
Can Man Dan's debut book "...I Think God is Real: The Extraordinary Journey of Can Man Dan" was released in June 2022 and it's been helping people all over the world ever since. Dan's book touches on recognizing childhood trauma, the power of overcoming addiction, the lifesaving benefits of therapy and psychiatry, and the vital importance of faith and love in one's life. Since the books release, Can Man Dan has had book signings and readings at various book stores, such as Chapters and Indigo, and in more unique places such as chapels, homeless shelters, and other various community gatherings. For more information on how to order your own copy of Dan's book, or to book a reading, please contact us by clicking on the button below!
For fourteen years, these winter campouts have had our founder Can Man Dan braving freezing cold Alberta temperatures to help raise food and toys for those who struggle to make ends meet during the holiday season. Daniel camps out at various stores throughout Edmonton hoping to fill his truck with food and toys to ensure that every child has a gift to open and a hot meal to enjoy on Christmas Day.
Classroom and Youth Enrichment Programs
From chaperoned/guided homeless feeds to workshops on the importance of helping others, we take great pride in fostering compassion and leadership among school-going children. In addition to our own objectives, we also partner with Edmonton's Food Bank to put a spotlight on solving food insecurity through innovative solutions-based classroom discussions, with topics such as community gardens and minimizing food waste. Additionally, we are passionate about creating awareness and being proactive about mental health and seeking therapy among youth as part of overall health and well-being.
Educators wishing to book a session with the foundation, please contact us.
Faith-Based Support and Guidance
The Can Man Dan Foundation is pleased to offer spiritual care and guidance through strategic partnerships with Daniel Johnstone Ministries and other faith-based organizations. Working under his real name of Daniel Johnstone, Can Man Dan works as a Community Service Chaplain currently serving out of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. While Daniel himself is a Christian, his ministry is considered to be "multi-faith," and members of any belief system are welcome to come to Daniel for help, prayer, or spiritual support. If you are looking for faith-based support, please contact us.
Speaking Engagements
Famed author Jimmy Neil Smith once said, “We are all storytellers. We all live in a network of stories. There isn’t a stronger connection between people than storytelling,” and we here at the Can Man Dan Foundation would have to agree. That's why Can Man Dan has made himself available to share his powerful story with others in hopes of spreading encouragement and hope! Since 2011, Dan has shared his story at hundreds of different and unique speaking engagements, and he's just getting started! To book Dan at your own gathering, please contact us today!
The Oneness Centre - Closed Until Further Notice
The Oneness Centre is a place for people who are suffering mentally, physically, or spiritually. We aim to offer free access to therapists, psychiatrists, social workers, and an array of faith leaders. Started by award-winning activist Can Man Dan after his journey of recovery from his own mental health issues, including depression, alcoholism, and suicidal tendencies, Johnstone created this space as a safe haven for those struggling with their own personal demons.
