Stephen’s Backpacks kicks off another holiday campaign

A young boy devoted to helping homeless kids in Alberta is kicking off another Christmas campaign Saturday.

Stephen McPhee started Stephen’s Backpacks’ when he was only 5-years-old, and now as a 16-year-old, his project has helped over 45,000 kids in need receive a backpack stuffed with goodies.

His mother Nancy said Stephen first came up with the idea for the project after learning what homelessness was during a conversation between her and his father.

“Stephen came into the room and blurted ‘Mommy, are there kids on the street?’ And we were quite surprised that he would ask the question, he obviously heard us speaking. So, in 5-year-old terms, we explained how sometimes people lose their homes and move to bigger homes to live with other families in a shelter. And he just blurted out ‘Mommy, I need to help them!'”

Nancy adds that this year, the project is even more special, after Stephen’s father recently passed away

“This is going to be the biggest year yet. You know, I thought well I think we’ll just slow things down so I can just get through the first Christmas, and it has just been so much outpouring of love from the community and corporate sponsors, and Stephen is just so determined.”

Members of the South Health Campus will be helping volunteers stuff backpacks at a warehouse in southeast Calgary, and they will be sent out to teenagers in need this holiday season.

That outpouring of love mentioned by Nancy also translated into a massive response from volunteers.

“We filled up really fast this year. A lot of people say this is just like a Christmas tradition for our family now, we wouldn’t miss it. So as soon as we advertise we need them, we fill up pretty quick.”

There are more events planned in December, including giving out the backpacks, so there’s more opportunity to help out if you want.

You can find more information about the campaign, along with Stephen’s other charities, at stephensbackpacks.com.