North Vancouver’s ‘Santa Hank’ Retires After 17 Years of Kindness

Hank Brennan, affectionately known as “Santa Hank,” has announced his retirement after 17 years of dedicated service to the homeless community in North Vancouver. What began as a personal project to fund a cruise to Alaska evolved into a remarkable charity that raised over $400,000 for those in need through his initiative, Hank’s Christmas Glitter.

In 2008, Brennan started collecting bottles and cans, aiming to gather enough money for a vacation. Upon returning from his trip, he felt a strong urge to continue the recycling effort, shifting the focus toward charity work. “I realized I’m not doing [a cruise] again, and if I stop, then what a waste,” Brennan explained. Thus, he launched his charitable endeavor, which repurposed refunds from recyclables into gift cards for local businesses, directly benefiting individuals experiencing homelessness.

Brennan and his team of volunteers operated like a municipal collection service, navigating neighborhoods with their Christmas-themed minivans. They sorted the collected recyclables in a space Brennan fondly referred to as “Santa’s Workshop” in Edgemont Village. The proceeds helped acquire gift cards from restaurants, coffee shops, and grocery stores, which Brennan personally delivered to those in need.

According to the latest official homeless count, 168 individuals were reported without a fixed address on the North Shore; advocates estimate the actual number could exceed 400. Over the years, Brennan built relationships with many individuals on the street, often knowing them by name. “They could see I was a friendly voice. They weren’t nervous about anything,” he said. “And 98 percent of the time, the cards would do the trick.”

Brennan’s approach was not just about providing material assistance; he sought to connect on a personal level. His experiences often involved hearing heart-wrenching stories, some of which he could not share. “There’s a lot of stories I can tell, but they’re the happier ones,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of compassion in his work.

One poignant memory for Brennan was during a Christmas event when he handed out stockings filled with treats. He vividly recalls a man holding the stocking as if it were a precious child, tears streaming down his face. “Nobody’s ever done this for me before,” the man expressed, leaving a lasting impression on Brennan.

Brennan’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. He has received multiple media features and was awarded a Canada 150 pin by North Vancouver MP Jonathan Wilkinson for his contributions to the community. Despite this recognition, Brennan remains humble. “It was never about getting attention or accolades,” he stated, acknowledging that while his work may not solve the larger issues of homelessness, it brought joy to individuals in need.

As “Santa Hank” steps back, he reflects on the support he received from his community. His team included his younger brother and “head elf” Steve Brennan, who has firsthand experience with addiction and homelessness, as well as his brother Larry, who assisted with collecting recyclables. The local community rallied around Brennan when his aging minivan required replacement, raising over $25,000 for a new vehicle.

Now, after nearly two decades of full-time charitable work, Brennan decided to wind down operations due to the upcoming end of his lease for the workshop. “I sat back and had a little chat with myself,” he remarked. “You’re going to be 73 this year… maybe the timing of this is good now.” He spent his first official day of retirement fishing on Canada Day, looking forward to new activities he had long postponed.

Despite his departure from active charity work, Brennan’s legacy will endure. Individuals like Sharon Henwood, who received support from him in the past, expressed their gratitude for his unwavering kindness. “He’s just really thoughtful and always there for people,” Henwood remarked.

Another beneficiary, Mike Sikora, fondly recalls his first encounter with Brennan while panhandling. The unexpected kindness he received left a profound impact on his life. “He’s a man that makes me feel like a human being… no judgments at all,” Sikora commented, highlighting the significance of Brennan’s compassionate approach.

While Brennan is no longer actively serving the community, he insists that the need for compassion remains. “No one should be homeless and, especially, hungry. Nobody,” he stated firmly. He hopes the wider community will remember that small acts of kindness can have significant effects. “For me, it all starts with a little bit of respect,” he added. “Just to say ‘Hello, how was your day?’ Believe it or not, it actually makes them feel better that somebody acknowledged them.”

As North Vancouver bids farewell to “Santa Hank,” the community reflects on his extraordinary contributions, recognizing the profound impact one individual can have on the lives of many.