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Jake “the Can Man” passed away February 15th 2014. We are deeply grateful for the incredible legacy Jake has left and for his generous support of Food for the Hungry over the years.
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At 89 years young, Jake Penner has become a familiar face in Abbotsford, BC. Known by school kids as “The Can Man,’’ he is often seen biking around town with big bags of bottles balanced on both sides of his wheels.
Jake started collecting cans in 1980 after going out for a jog and noticing a number of discarded cans. Pedal forward to 2007, when Jake became an active supporter of Food for the Hungry (FH) and began donating proceeds from his can collection to ending poverty through FH’s projects around the world.
Amazingly, Jake’s collection total now surpasses $18,000. Even more surprising is what he does with the money. Instead of keeping it himself, he donates all the earnings to FH. His selflessness has started to attract the help and attention of others in his community.
‘’I’ve never asked for cans,’’ he says. ‘’When people ask me what I’m doing, they offer to give me more cans.”
Several schools have saved their cans for him and a local gas station now collects cans on his behalf. Jake says he couldn’t make the impact he’s having if it weren’t for these regular helpers.
“I tell them, “Now you’re a supporter of Food for the Hungry Canada, too!’’
Jake started collecting cans in 1980 after going out for a jog and noticing a number of discarded cans. Pedal forward to 2007, when Jake became an active supporter of Food for the Hungry (FH) and began donating proceeds from his can collection to ending poverty through FH’s projects around the world.
Amazingly, Jake’s collection total now surpasses $18,000. Even more surprising is what he does with the money. Instead of keeping it himself, he donates all the earnings to FH. His selflessness has started to attract the help and attention of others in his community.
‘’I’ve never asked for cans,’’ he says. ‘’When people ask me what I’m doing, they offer to give me more cans.”
Several schools have saved their cans for him and a local gas station now collects cans on his behalf. Jake says he couldn’t make the impact he’s having if it weren’t for these regular helpers.
“I tell them, “Now you’re a supporter of Food for the Hungry Canada, too!’’
