Guest Celebrity Writer - Stephanie Hooker

Hannah Taylor - 15 Year Old Hero

Winnipeg native Hannah Taylor, 15, is an extraordinary young hero who proves that age doesn’t matter when the heart is set on making change. After seeing a man eating from a dumpster when she was five, Hannah was moved to action by her mother’s inspiring words: “If you do something to change the problem, your heart won’t be so sad.” In no short order, a young social rights activist was born and she has been “doing” ever since. She has received numerous awards, accolades and recognition for her hard work and dedication to raising awareness about poverty across Canada and the United States.

Hannah founded The Ladybug Foundation – a charitable organization that shines light on homelessness – when she was just eight. Since its humble beginnings collecting loose change in painted ladybug jars, The Ladybug Foundation has raised over $2 million dollars for organizations across Canada.

In 2008, Hannah was invited to launch National Red Scarf Day on January 24 to increase awareness and funds for the homeless; it’s now in its 4th year. History was made in Ottawa on the day when all the Senate and Members of Parliament gave a standing ovation in support of the same cause on the same day. Together Ottawa and Canada showed their support by wearing Ladybug Foundation Red Scarves on January 31^st, National Red Scarf Day. 

She is also part of an international program called the World’s Children Prize for the Rights of the Child. Nelson Mandela is the patron. Hannah sits on a jury that recognizes international candidates each year for their child advocacy work.

If you ask her what makes her so special, don’t be surprised by an awkward pause and a change of topic. “I am so lucky to have such powerful women in my family – amazing, amazing strong women.” She is adamant that they have as much to do with her can-do attitude as she does. More important, she says “they taught me not to be scared. They believe in me and that makes anything possible.”

Hannah proves that we have much to learn from our young people. In fact, it is precisely this infectious combination of innocence and resolve that both captivates and mobilizes people at the same time. Her vision that “no one should have to eat out of a garbage can” is shockingly simple. And in this simplicity there is pure beauty.

Recently Hannah, along with The Ladybug Foundation, took another step in educating the public when they started a sister charity called MakeChange™, The Ladybug Foundation Education Program. Hannah admits she cannot speak at every school, so MakeChange™ bridges the gap by bringing ideas to the classroom. Developed by a team of experienced teachers, the program has one purpose: to empower young people to get involved and make change in their own community.

“It doesn’t have to be homelessness.” she adds. “It could be the environment, or human rights; whatever they’re interested in. You should never dismiss what children say when they’re passionate. Children already feel small, but they can make change in their own way and when that light goes off in their head, it’s amazing what they can do.” She would know. Hannah estimates the curriculum based programming is already in around 7000 classrooms across the country and is currently being translated into French.

Although, she seems unnaturally fearless in the presence of diplomats, politicians and rock star activists, she does worry about whether the homeless will approve of her work. “I just want to make sure I represent them well.” As for actually conducting public speaking engagements, attending meetings with VIPs, or taking on enormous responsibilities and meeting the tall expectations people may have of her – no problem. “I don’t feel pressure because it’s not about me going far. It’s about them.”

If she retired now, Hannah could rest well on her laurels. There are many: prestigious awards, over 200 speaking engagements including a nod as the youngest speaker ever at the Empire Club in Toronto, Ontario and author of a best-selling children’s book “Ruby’s Hope,” (2006). She has an ongoing mentorship with President of the CanWest Global Foundation, Gail Asper, a renowned community activist is her own right, and - well, you get the picture – an impressive portfolio for one so young. But frankly, I don’t think there is much resting for Hannah, on laurels or anything else.

She isn’t sure what her future holds. “I will always dedicate time to the homeless and other causes,” she says. But in the same breath she admits she has her eyes on other targets. “National Geographic… writing… photography. Who knows? I’m a normal teenager”, she says. “I have a great group of friends, three dogs, a cat and horses. I do my best at school and worry about normal teenage things.”

Sure, most teenagers can’t claim Gail Asper as their mentor, or that Nelson Mandela invited them to his house for a visit. And of course, most teenagers haven’t authored and published a children’s book, or typically speak in front of groups of up to 200 two or three times a month. But you see, that’s the real inspiration of Hannah Taylor – she thinks all of us can do what she does. And in her reflection, we feel compelled to shine a little brighter.

Written by Stephanie Hooker
Edited by Lucinda Atwood


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