‘So blessed’: Can Man Dan exceeds donation goal for 15th anniversary

Can Man Dan’s annual foray into the frigid elements is over. He says he collected upwards of 27,000 kilograms of food.

Can Man Dan has done it again.

Daniel Johnstone, the man behind the operation looking to donate as many food and toys as possible to Edmonton’s Food Bank and Santa’s Anonymous, has just finished his seven-day stint in deep freeze temperatures outside grocery and toy stores.

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His original goal for the 15th year of his campaign was to collect 50,000 pounds of food. As of Wednesday, he’s looking at upwards of 60,000 pounds.

He also raised $50,000 worth of toys for Santa’s Anonymous.

“Edmontonians came out like crazy to see me and donate and support the kids. And I am just so blessed,” Johnstone told CTV News Edmonton on Wednesday.

“I’m so thankful and so grateful.”

Johnstone began his first winter campout on Dec. 5, a three-day effort in front of a Toys R Us. He then cycled on to various grocery stores for a full week leading up to Christmas.

“Honestly, it was one of the most taxing things I’ve ever done. It was hard. It was cold. If this was 15 years ago, sure, maybe young Dan could have done it, but not this old man, not old Dan,” he joked.

Still, he said the numbers speak for themselves – so it was well worth the effort.

“It’s been a complete pleasure. It’s a complete honour, and it helps so many families throughout the year.”

With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Brandon Lynch