As a snowstorm swirled around him, Daniel Johnstone—better known across Edmonton as Can Man Dan—pitched his camp outside the Toys "R" Us on Gateway Boulevard this Friday. This marked the poignant start of his 15th annual winter campout, a personal marathon of charity aiming to fill a massive mover's truck with hope for the holiday season.
A Personal Mission Rooted in Experience
For Johnstone, this drive is far more than a seasonal tradition; it's a full-circle moment. "I used to be the kid looking for help," he shares, reflecting on a childhood marked by poverty. He recalls holidays that felt like a luxury, times when his family relied on the Edmonton's Food Bank and Santas Anonymous for meals and Christmas presents. That memory is the engine behind his frosty vigil. "To be able to give back to Edmonton in such a meaningful way and have Edmontonians come out and support for 15 years straight, that's special," Johnstone says.
Braving the Elements for a Big Goal
From December 5, Johnstone will spend three nights camping at the southside toy store, greeting donors amidst festive decorations and blaring holiday music. His ambitious goal is to collect 50,000 pounds of food for Edmonton's Food Bank and at least $50,000 worth of toys for Santas Anonymous. After a brief pause, his mission continues with a seven-day campout split between two Sobeys locations.
Over 15 years, he has endured extreme conditions, including temperatures plunging below -40°C and a bout of frostbite so severe he initially thought he'd broken his arm. "I thought I broke my arm somehow, because it was just so sore, but then the doctor told me it was frostbite," he recounts from a particularly brutal -45°C year. Through it all, he has helped raise over $7 million for various charities, a testament to the community's enduring support.
The Evolution of a Holiday Tradition
Johnstone laughs now about his first campout, where he was woefully unprepared with just blankets and no proper bed. Unsure if the idea would work, he persevered. He's since learned tricks to manage the cold, though he often says the frantic work of moving donations keeps him warm. What began as a tentative experiment has blossomed into a beloved Edmonton institution, drawing supporters from across Alberta. As another winter campaign begins under snowy skies, Can Man Dan's story continues to inspire—a powerful reminder of how past hardship can fuel a lifetime of giving.
