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

Hank Brennan, known affectionately as “Santa Hank,” has retired after 17 years of dedicated service to the homeless community in North Vancouver. What began as a personal initiative to fund a vacation transformed into a charity that has provided over $400,000 in gift cards to those in need.

Brennan, a building manager and videographer, initially collected bottles and cans to finance a cruise to Alaska. Upon returning home in 2008, he felt a strong desire to continue his recycling efforts, shifting his focus towards charitable work. He founded Hank’s Christmas Glitter, a charity that converts refunds from recyclables into meaningful gifts for marginalized individuals.

Operating out of Edgemont Village, Brennan and his team of volunteers collected recyclables across various neighborhoods in custom-wrapped, Christmas-themed minivans. The proceeds from these efforts were used to purchase gift cards from local restaurants, coffee shops, and grocery stores. Brennan personally delivered these cards to those living on the streets, fostering connections with many individuals he now knows by name.

The latest official homeless count reported 168 people without fixed addresses in North Vancouver, though advocates suggest the actual number may exceed 400. Brennan’s rapport with these individuals has grown over the years, allowing him to offer support tailored to their needs. He reflected, “I always tell people you and I are not going to save the world… But we can always help the few around us.”

Brennan’s interactions have not been without emotional weight. He has heard countless traumatic stories that he often chooses not to share, focusing instead on the uplifting moments that have marked his journey. One memorable experience involved a Christmas event where he handed out stockings filled with treats. The heartfelt reaction of a recipient—a man who held the stocking as if it were a newborn—left a lasting impression on Brennan.

Recognized for his contributions, Brennan has received multiple accolades, including a Canada 150 pin from North Vancouver MP Jonathan Wilkinson. Despite this recognition, he remains humble, insisting that his work was never about accolades but about making a difference in the lives of others.

As Brennan prepares to transition into retirement, he reflects on the support he received from his community. His brother, Steve, often referred to as the “head elf,” has played an integral role in the charity, drawing from his own experiences with addiction and homelessness. Together with other key volunteers, Brennan’s efforts were bolstered by community donations, including over $25,000 for a new minivan when his old one reached over 410,000 kilometers.

After nearly two decades of service, Brennan announced that he would wind down operations this summer, following the end of a lease on the charity’s space. At the age of 73, he decided it was time to focus on personal pursuits, spending his first official day of retirement fishing on Canada Day.

While Brennan’s absence will be profoundly felt in the community, his legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched. Local resident Sharon Henwood expressed her gratitude, stating, “He’s just really thoughtful and always there for people, and he never asks or expects anything in return.”

Mike Sikora, who met Brennan while panhandling in 2016, echoed similar sentiments. Their friendship blossomed over shared experiences and mutual respect. Sikora praised Brennan’s ability to connect with others, stating, “He’s a man that makes me feel like a human being… He’s there to help people.”

As the housing crisis continues to impact many, Brennan chooses to focus on the importance of compassion. He asserts that every act of kindness, no matter how small, can have a significant impact. “For me, it all starts with a little bit of respect… Just to say ‘Hello, how was your day?’ Believe it or not, it actually makes them feel better that somebody acknowledged them,” he said.

With Brennan stepping back from his role, the North Vancouver community is reminded of the vital importance of kindness and connection in addressing homelessness and hunger.