Edmonton activist will camp for food – and food bank donations

EDMONTON – An Edmonton community leader is taking his show on the road to try to raise money for much-needed food bank donations across Alberta.

Dan Johnstone, usually known by the nickname “Can Man Dan,” has a plan. He’s taking his annual Christmas campout away from Edmonton.

“As we all know, the province is in some big trouble,” said Johnstone. “Layoffs are at an all-time high, unemployment rate is through the roof, and food bank numbers are spiking: record highs in some cities.”

“So I said, ‘this is terrible, what can I do?’ So I pooled all my vacation time, I said, ‘let’s go on tour, and let’s bring my signature campouts to other cities.’”

WATCH: Can Man Dan camping out in the cold to end hunger

In past years, Johnstone has held campouts for local charities every December. During the campouts, Johnstone accepts food donations for Edmonton’s food banks. This year, for the first time, Johnstone will be holding campouts elsewhere in Alberta.

Johnstone will hold a campout in Fort McMurray from Dec. 8 to 10, and another campout from Dec. 17 to 20 in Lethbridge. In each case, all donations will be given to local food banks.

Johnstone will also add another two campouts in Edmonton, from Dec. 3 to 6 and Dec. 21 to 24, for good measure.

Johnstone chose the two cities because of their locations.

“I wanted to encompass all of Alberta, so I chose something far to the south, far to the north, and centralized.”

For Johnstone and the volunteers he works with, the campouts have been a success. Last year, he raised more than $15 000 for Edmonton Food Bank, along with more than 16 tonnes of food.

READ MORE: Going Hungry – Food bank visits spike across Canada – in Alberta most of all

Recently, food bank use in Alberta has skyrocketed, climbing more than 23 per cent in the past year. This past March, more than 67,000 Albertans used a food bank.

Despite the higher rates, and the slower provincial economy, Johnstone hopes the generosity continues.

“I know times are tough for everyone, but I’m just asking for whatever you can donate,” he said.

“Anything is better than nothing, so as long we’re raising something, I’m happy, and so long as a kid gets to eat, I’m happy as well.”