Newsletter


Buy your copy of Dream Out Loud Today!
Dream Out Loud
is finally available!

Dream Out Loud was written by Nancy McPhee who is the director of Stephen's Backpacks For Children In Need Society as well as Stephen's mother. The book outlines the inspiring journey Stephen and his family embarked upon that brought them to where they are today.

 

Stephen McPhee

My name is Stephen McPhee. My favorite color is blue and I love animals and dinosaurs. My best friend is Autumn.

When I was six years old in grade 1, my Mom and Dad helped me to make backpacks for kids on the street in Calgary at Christmas time. I did not think it was fair that we got so much and the kids on the street did not even have a bed to sleep in. We made 15 backpacks and my favorite was doing baby backpacks.

Last Christmas I wanted to make more so my sister helped me write a letter and tons of companies and people in Aridrie helped make over 265 backpacks. Every backpack had a huge bow and lots of neat toys and mittens and school stuff inside. We had fun in a donated school bus taking them to Inn from the Cold on Christmas Eve.

This year I want to help even more. I need your help. I want every child to wake up in the morning at Christmas and have a gift of a backpack. That way at school during the year they can remember that another kid cares.

This Christmas my dream is to be like Santa and fly all over the world bringing backpacks to homeless kids. Mom says we should start with Edmonton! I don't want to fly in a sleigh - instead I would like to fly in a helicopter!

If I could have one wish come true it would be to get homeless kids a house with lots of toys, storybooks and green grass to play on.

The History and key events of Stephen's Backpacks

Stephen Leaves a Footprint

What a wonderful outpouring of love again from our community to support Stephen in his passion to make sure all children have new shoes to start school!! A luxury for these kids; and something we simply take for granted. Ths year 1500 pairs of new running shoes will find their way to children in need across Alberta. Aug 14th we will be assembling in our Airdrie Warehouse and Aug 20th we will deliver to the shelters receiving these wonderful gifts of hope for kids to start school. Stephen again in his humble way; leaves a Footprint on many lives of children in need.

09 Aug 2010 by Nancy McPhee



July 1st Piping in Canada Day! With a Whole Lotta Country!!

Footprints, a program of Stephen's Backpacks will officially kick off it's campaign to provide new running shoes to children in need this July 1st for 2010. Stephen will be there! Come out and meet the nine year old who started this National charity when he was only five years old; to reach out to children in need with a Christmas Backpack gift and new running shoes for school. The biggest barbeque ever at The Real Canadian Superstore, Airdrie Jul 1st from 11-4pm with entertainment of Highland Dancers, Piper, Featuring singers Anita Anderson and Tamara. Bring out the whole family and make sure to get your coupon for discounts in the Airdire Echo or Airdrie Cityview. We will be handing coupons out at the parade also. Enjoy one of Alberta's greatest Jul 1st parade's and then come over to Superstore and bring the whole family for great food and fun! laughing laughing

02 Jun 2010 by Nancy McPhee



April 2010 Fire Devastates and Leaves Four Families Homeless in Airdrie!

Stephen reacted immediately to meet the needs of all of the children in Airdrie's devastatating fire just before the Home and Garden Show. Backpacks filled to overflowing with many pairs of shoes, sandals, school supplies, blankets, new summer clothes, toys, treats, hygiene items and much more were delivered to the Ramada Hotel to bring a smile to the children from the recent fire here in Airdrie. Our prayers continue to be with the families and the many other residents raising funds to help support their loss. Airdrie again proves to be the most compassionate city...when the going gets tough everyone pitches in!!! Proud to be a part of it all!! smile smile

28 Apr 2010 by Nancy McPhee



February 14th Hugs to Haiti

When Stephen saw the news of the devastation in Haiti after the earthquake, he wanted to know where the children would live and with no Mommy and Daddy, he wanted to know...who would hug them? Hugs to Haiti was born sending 250 survival backpacks and taking part in filling a huge sea container filled with crutches, medical supplies, food, clothes, blankets and much more, to hug the children in the middle of their darkest nightmare...no parents and no home! This will become a yearly Valentines project for Stephen and after the Christmas backpacks, he will find out from God's Littlest Orphanage in Haiti, exactly what their immediate needs are. Special thanks to The Real Canadian Superstore for using their stores in Calgary as collection centers!!! smile

28 Apr 2010 by Nancy McPhee



Dec 24th...Diamonds for Christmas

There are no words to describe the look on a four year old little girls face when she recieved a backpack with a Teddy Bear as big as she is; a baby dolly and a stroller and a backpack filled to overflowing with new gifts. Stephen gave little Diamond that gift this Christmas eve. Diamond savored each gift one by one as she unpacked her backpack at Inn from the Cold Christmas Eve! There is no greater gift that I can think of. Merry Christmas Diamond!
2020 children will smile as Diamond did Christmas morning...thank you for all of you who Dreamed Out Loud with us! Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!!See you next year!

27 Dec 2009 by Nancy McPhee



Sisika and Piikani Feel the Love this Christmas

For the first time the Sisika and Piikani Nation will recieve hundreds of Backpacks from Stephen this year. To be delivered to Sisika Nation Dec 20th 2009. Special thank you to our special Margaret Waterchief for helping us coordinate this event! Blessings to you all and Merry Christmas! smile

18 Dec 2009 by Nancy McPhee



Dec 19th 2009 Airdrie Lioness Hampers Blessed by Stephen

Every child in every family receiving a hamper this year will also receive a special backpack filled to overflowing with love from our Stephen! Merry Christmas Airdrie!!! with lots of love and thanks Stephen! smile See you next year!! wink

18 Dec 2009 by Nancy McPhee



Dec 18th 2009 Premier Ed Stelmach and Mayor Stephen Mandel Welcome Stephen!

Dec 18th at the Hope Mission Premier Ed Stelmach and Mayor Stephen Mandel were piped in with Stephen as he brought over 400 Stephen Bags as His Worship Mayor Mandel called them!!!Premier Ed Stelmach rembered Stephen when he gave him the Alberta Great Kids Award in 2008. He commended Stephen for putting his own challenges aside to help others in Alberta. Breanne McPhee danced two highland solos for this wonderful event!Piper John Miller was outstanding in his piping for our celebration! Over 100 more backpacks were delivered to Edmonton this year than in 2008. (400)The McPhees said that this spoke volumes about Albertans; even in recessed times Alberta is sending a strong message to Canada that they are still able to give with passion and heart to those in need! Merry Christmas from our home to yours Alberta! Final count to be tallied Christmas Eve! smile

18 Dec 2009 by Nancy McPhee



Dec 17th Santa's little Stephen elf heads to Red Deer

Dec 17th over 250 backpacks were delivered to Red Deer Food bank and McMann Youth. Transportation generously provided by Highland Moving and Storage!

Merry Christmas little ones of Red Deer ...love Stephen! smile

18 Dec 2009 by Nancy McPhee



2009 Wrap up at Cornerstone Church Dec 15th

Deputy Mayor Ray Jones adn MLA Rob Anderson joined Stephen along with Wilson Highland School of Dance, students from Chestermere High, Gibson Energy, Highland Moving, Excell Battery, Inn from the Cold and many more wonderful volunteers piping peace and joy into the life of homeless children! CTS did a wonderful documentary airing Dec 19th 8pm on channel 51.
Canada Safeway donated wonderful trays of goodies enjoyed by all!
Anita Anderson sang Silent Night and the Little Drummer Boy...brilliant performance...thankyou Anita.
The numbers are still coming in...stay tuned for the final tally! wink wink smile

18 Dec 2009 by Nancy McPhee



What's Happening in December!!!

Dec 13th - St Francis joins Stephen as he delivers 300 backpacks filled to overflowing to the Piikani and Sisika children!
Dec 4th -Collect all the backpacks filled from all of the schools dreaming out loud with Stephen!
Dec 15th Finale -Cornerstone Church 3:00pm What will be this years final tally?? Come hear the piper and children's choir!
Dec 17th Delivery to Red Deer Food Bank, McMann Youth for all of AB, Safe Harbour
Dec 18th Delivery to Edmonton Hope Mission--Mayor Stephen Mandel/Piper and dancers and 300 backpacks filled with love!
Dec 21st Delivery to Airdrie Food Bank /Lioness Hampers
Dec 24th Delivery to Inn from the Cold!
Dec 25th Enjoy a peace- filled very Merry Christmas!

From our home to yours Merry Christmas to all!

25 Nov 2009 by Nancy McPhee



Stephen Pipes in his 2009 Program Bringing Peace and Joy!

Nov 5th complete with piper and highland dancers Stephen and his 650 school friends kicked off his 2009 program at his school. Highland Moving and Storage brought the empty backpacks to his school and Alf Miller piped them all in to the auditorium filled with 650 excited children ready to help out a less fortunate child! Listen can you hear the piper...piping peace and joy into the life of a homeless child this Christmas.

25 Nov 2009 by Nancy McPhee



Bring on the Volunteers

Volunteer Opportunities available at both warehouse locations Calgary Dec 5th-Dec 14th and Airdrie Dec 1-Dec 14th! Apply online

www.stephensbackpacks.com..., email director@stephensbackpacks.com or call 403-852-9308

Aura Spas has donated a special gift to our volunteer of the year!
Blessings and see you there! wink

25 Nov 2009 by Nancy McPhee



Gibson Energy Energizes Stephen's Dream!

Gibson Energy joins Stephen's team to support his efforts to make over 100 children smile this Christmas! We look forward to seeing you at our Dec 15th Finale at Cornerstone Church at McNight and Deerfoot at 3:00pm!

"Thank you for helping"!!! smile smilesays Stephen!

25 Nov 2009 by Nancy McPhee



Drop Off Locations 2009

Calgary--Cornerstone Church 1227 48th Ave NE (250-5547) Nov 24-Dec 4th Excluding Mondays 9:30-4:00pm. Tues to Friday

Airdrie--2903 Kingsview Blvd Unit 204/205; Canada Safeway Airdrie; Inches A Weigh 8am-8pm 2903 Kingsview Blvd Unit 206

Pleae call (403) 852-9308 if these times and locations do not work!

25 Nov 2009 by Nancy McPhee



Stephen's Backpacks Recieves A New Home

Ed Eggerer from Century 21 generously donated two bays on Kingsview Blvd to Stephen's Backpacks for our 2009 Christmas Assembly. Many families from Airdrie will be able to come and support Stephen by making up backpacks this year. Conerstone Church at McNight and Deerfoot will be our Calgary home for inspecting and making backpacks. Stay tuned for more details about kickoffs, openings and times for volunteering!!!
We are very blessed to recieve such a great gift! smile

18 Oct 2009 by Nancy McPhee



A Footprint in Time

Stephen's Backpacks raised an amazing 1100 pairs of new running shoes for children in need this August! Double last years total! wink
Many nations and shelters benefited from this amazing success. Definately Stephen left a footprint in time!

18 Oct 2009 by Nancy McPhee



The Real Canadian Superstore is a Shoe in for Stephen's Backpacks

Rose and her team at the Airdrie Superstore spent hours organizing and assembling shoes and discounted items for the backpacks. Over 800 paris of shoes were discounted to $5 to help Stephen with his Footprints campaign this fall. The result 1100 children were sent to school smiling with new shoes this new school year; almost double last years total. WOW!!!
The staff then organized a fundraiser and purchased over 75 backpacks for Stephen's backpack campaign. Skids of scarfs, socks, school supplies, and other backpacks items were discounted to contribute even more support!
Thank you for your huge blessing to Stephen's efforts to bring rays of hope this Christmas to many needy children!
smile

18 Oct 2009 by Nancy McPhee



TransCanada's Three Year Comittment to Stephen's Dream

TransCanada has committed $5000. each year for three years to help contibute to Stephen's Dream of bringing hope to the homeless children. Because of this effort Stephen's Backpacks Society was able to reach the Piiikani, Metis and Sisika Nation, Healthy Families in Didsbury, Red Deer and Airdrie Food Bank, and many other shelters. A plaque displaying pictures of these ricipients receiving their gifts will be placed in our new warehouse and then given to TransCanada for their lobby!
A huge thank you from Stephen for supporting his dream. smile

18 Oct 2009 by Nancy McPhee



Metis Children are Blessed

School backpacks filled with love and supplies were given to Metis children this September with lots of Christmas backpack gifts still to come! Stephen is very happy to give all children a small gift of hope. smile

03 Sep 2009 by Nancy McPhee



Donations for Didsbury

Stephen assembled backpacks and shoes for an organization called Healthy Families this September, sending kids off to school smiling. Christmas backpacks will be going here also! smile

03 Sep 2009 by Nancy McPhee



Food for Thought June 2009

Stephen's Backpacks Society donated $1000. to the Airdrie Food Bank. The Airdrie Food Bank is doing an exceptional job working with the food needs of homeless teens throughout the summer. It is a priviledge to support such a great and very much needed service here in Airdrie.

We will continue to provide backpacks throughout the year for children in need through the food bank. smile

03 Jul 2009 by Nancy McPhee



July 1st Hot Diggidy Dog!!!!!!!!!!

Stephen's first July 1st barbeque this July 1st raised over $1300 for new running shoes and backpacks for homeless children. Special thanks to Greg at Safeway in Airdrie for providing the space! smile

02 Jul 2009 by Nancy McPhee



Fortis Alberta Dreams Out Loud

June 2009 Fortis Alberta Pep Squad powered by their amazing spirit to reach out and help Stephen's passion held their first fundraiser and raised $2000.00. Stephen sends a big thankyou to all of those who helped organize and participate in this wonderful event! smile

02 Jul 2009 by Nancy McPhee



Step into the Next 100 Years

July 1st celebrates Airdrie's 100 year Centennial ...What a Parade!!! Stephen's Backpacks Float theme..."Step Into the Next 100 Years No more Homeless Children." A ten foot sun and a huge paper mache backpack with children inside it... decorated with all of the wonderful bright colors of the rainbow surrounded Stephen's float.Over 45 children joined in and walked to support Stephen's passion. Over 30,000 residents enjoyed an amazing parade. Stephen's float was voted 3rd in their category! Pictures to follow wink

02 Jul 2009 by Nancy McPhee



Stephen Helps Set Up New Inn from the Cold Ministry

May 20th 2009 Stephen's Backpacks Society donated almost $2000 worth of furniture, dining chairs, bedside tables, beds and bedding and the sponsored the first meal of roast beef and yorkshire pudding to Cornerstone Foursquare Church to feed Calgary's homeless a hearty meal through a new Inn from the Cold ministry. One homeless woman wept at the banquet set for them with fresh flowers, knapkins in the glasses and chocolate covered strawberries. The evening was captured in a simple message from a homeless man as he came up for a third helping of roast beef.."This is better than a letter from home !" He said.

31 May 2009 by Nancy McPhee



A McHappy Day for Stephen's Cause

smile May 6th Airdrie McDonald's focused on assisting a very special initiative and raised $8,557.33 for Stephen's Backpack's Society. A very special thank you to Gail and Doug Barnsley who helped Stephen Dream out Loud!!! All proceeds will go to Christmas backpacks, new running shoes for homeless children and Stephen latest dream The Happiness Hotel!

31 May 2009 by Nancy McPhee



Happy 8th Birthday to our Stephen!

Airdrie Canada Safeway is holding a birthday celebration for Stephen. Come out and enjoy some of Stephen's favorite chocolate cake. May 9th 2009 between 11:00am and 2:00pm. Please bring new running shoes for Stephen's homeless children to start school with this fall. It will be a wonderful celebration!! laughingsee you all there!SHoes can be dropped off at Cornerstone Church in Calgary 1227 48th Ave NE in Calgary until June 30th 2009 and at Canada Safeway in Airdrie until June 30th. Leave a footprint on a child's life.

27 Apr 2009 by Nancy McPhee



McKenzie Towne Seniors Dream Out Loud!

April 26th, Stephen and his family spoke at McKenzie Towne Retirement Residence. They had a day coordinated for Stephen's dream to help the homeless and raised over $500.00. smile
The church service was inspiring and Stephen met lots of very special people. This wonderful event was put to gether by Roy Krahn who drove the schoolbus for Stephen's Backpacks in 2007 where 265 backpacks brought many smiles to children Christmas Eve!

27 Apr 2009 by Nancy McPhee



Canadian Living Award 2009

Nancy McPhee, one of the founders of Stephen's Backpack's Society has been chosen as a finalist for Canadian Living Magazine's Me to We Awards. An opportuntiy to win $5000 for Stephen's Backpacks to help with Stephen's passion for homeless children! Contest closes May 8th 2009
Place your vote www.metoweawards.com.

27 Apr 2009 by Nancy McPhee



McHappy Stephen

smile Stephen sure is smiling this spring. Stephen loves his happy meals (with the toys of course!)and May 6th 2009 Stephen's Backpacks has been chosen as the charity for Airdrie McDonalds McHappy Day. Stephen's passion to help the homeless comes together with his favorite McHappy meals, Big Macs and Egg McMuffins. $1 for every one purchased will go to Ronald McDonald House and Stephen's Backpacks Society.
Stephen will be signing his book Dream Out Loud also so get your copy. All proceeds go to Stephen's Newest Dream of ...the Happiness Hotel... a shelter for children in need in Airdrie. smile

06 Apr 2009 by Nancy McPhee



Airdrie Fire Devastating loss for 16 year old

Stephen's Backpacks received a call regarding a 16 year old young girl who had lost everything in a devastating fire in March in Airdrie. The same night we made phone calls for donations to community businesses for support. Over $1500.00 worth of hair appliances, gift certificates, clothes, food hygiene items and of course a backpack filled to the brim were delivered the very next day to this young woman. Airdrie once again proves the amazing heartbeat that makes this such a blessed place to live. smile

24 Mar 2009 by Nancy McPhee



Airdrie Homeless Teens and Avenue 15 March 2009

Some special members and the youth group from St Francis of Assisi in Airdrie joined Stephen's Backpacks and celebrated St Patricks Day a little different this year. They assembled amazing backpacks for Stephen's desire to help the homeless teens in Airdrie and Ave 15 in Calgary! All backpacks included warm fleece custom made blankets from The Church of Jesus Christ and Latter Day Saints, hygiene items generously donated from Janet Grein, Towels, clothes, nutricious breakfast bars, water and powerade generously donated by Canada Safeway! All decked out in their green hats vests and bow ties... it will be a St Paddy's day we won't forget!!

22 Mar 2009 by Nancy McPhee



Footprints We need Your Help!!

No more children without new shoes for school! We need your help in collecting indoor/ outdoor new running shoes. Send donations to The UPS Store Box 777 203-304 Main St Square Airdrie AB T4B 3C3. Look for Stephen's eighth Birthday celebration at Canada Safeway in Airdrie on Sat May 10th...all he wants is a brand new pair of running shoes any size. You can drop off at Airdrie Canada Safeway until June 30th 2009. See you there for cake and juice. Happy Birthday to you Stephen!!!!

You can also purchase his book Dream Out Loud at any Safeway store across Alberta with 100% of all proceeds going to homeless children. :smile

08 Mar 2009 by Nancy McPhee



Winter Coat Outreach to Homeless Teens March 2009

Stephen is busy again reaching out to Homeless teens even though Christmas is over, the winter temperatures are still with us. Fifty seven brand new winter coats were donated through a member of St Francis of Assisi in Airdrie to Stephen's Backpacks to help with the teen homeless situation. Twenty five were delivered to Bert Church High School last week on the coldest blizzard we have had, to help the homeless teens. The rest were gratefully received at Avenue 15 ( a teen shelter) in Calgary and Inn from the Cold. Stephen is rallying the Community of Airdrie to make backpacks for the teens in Airdrie and Avenue 15. To date 50 backpacks have been donated by Watches and More Promotional Products Inc. Wonderful fleece blanket are being donated, as well as heath bars and juices and all sorts of other items for these backpacks. Never a dull moment for our seven year old, Stephen! smile

08 Mar 2009 by Nancy McPhee



2009 A Footprint in Time!!!

March 1st begins our Footprints campaign of collecting new running shoes for children in need. Last year, we distributed to 5 shelters over 600 pairs of new running shoes. This year our goal is 1000 pairs of new running shoes for children to start school with in the fall of 2009.

July 1st Canada Day we will collect the remaining shoes on our float in Airdrie's Canada Day Parade. Step by Step we can do it!!

As we embark on our new journey of unchartered waters for 2009, words cannot express our overwhelming feelings of gratitude for each and every one of you who Dreamed Out Loud along with Stephen and our family to reach out and shine a light of hope. The greatest gift we can give is very simply... love. We look forward to our journey with you in 2009.

21 Jan 2009 by Nancy McPhee



What's New in 2009?

January 1st we completed an Alberta Book Tour in Edmonton, Lethbridge, and Medicine Hat. We were overwhelmed at the response, support and love that was shown. Special thanks to Days Inn for their donation of our accomodation! Thanks for Dreaming Out Loud Alberta!

January 30th we are in Red Deer Canada Safeway promoting Dream Out Loud and one more family off the street before Family Day! (11am-2pm)

February 7th Airdrie Canada Safeway...calling All of Airdrie... Heart to Heart let's get one more family off the street before Family Day! Come out and meet Stephen and his friends and get your book signed. See you there! Coffee and goodies provided! smile

21 Jan 2009 by Nancy McPhee



Alberta and Canada Dream Out Loud!

The results are in for 2008 and what a year this has been for our Stephen's passion to reach out and help the homeless. 1025 backpacks filled with gifts of love were handed out to children in need across Alberta! Not only that but four baby backpacks even went to Malawi, Africa!

Stephen's dream of a helicopter ride came true in Edmonton and he was met at the Hope Mission by His Worship Mayor Stephen Mandel. 300 backpacks filled to the brim were handed out at the Hope Mission.

Dream Out Loud sold over 1000 copies in two months. All proceeds are going to assist two families by helping them to get off the street through Inn from the Cold. Well Done Alberta!!!!!!

smile

21 Jan 2009 by Nancy McPhee



What can you put in a backpack?

Some people are having a hard time finding the list of what can go into backpacks. It can be found by clicking the link below, or you can visit the "Get Involved" section of this website and choose "Sponsor a Backpack".

Backpack Content Information and Guidelines

15 Nov 2008 by Nancy McPhee



2008 Alberta Great Kids Award


Stephen was honoured in June 2008 with 2008 Alberta Great Kids Award by Janis Tarchuk, Alberta Children and Youth Services and Premier Ed Stelmach.

29 Sep 2008 by Nancy McPhee



New Calgary Drop-off and Backpack Assembly Location!

From November 4th until December 13th - Tuesday through Friday - 9:30 am - 3:30 pm– drop off items and backpacks at:

The Garden Foursquare Church
1227 48th Ave NE Calgary 403-250-5547

Saturday Drop-offs
Drop off items at The Garden prior to Dec 13th on the following Saturdays: Nov 22, Nov 29, Dec 6th 9:30 am- 3:30 pm.

View and/or print directions to The Garden.

28 Sep 2008 by Nancy McPhee



Dream Out Loud Book Launch - November 1st, 2008

Canada Safeway, Airdrie - Towerland Mall will be hosting the launch for Stephen's book, Dream Out Loud, by Nancy McPhee.



Books will be available for purchase. $19.99 plus GST. All proceeds will go to helping the working homeless acquire homes in Calgary and area.

Come out and have your book signed by the author and meet the book's inspiration, Stephen McPhee in person!

Hope to see you there! smile

28 Sep 2008 by Nancy McPhee