At age five, Hannah Taylor saw a man eating out of a garbage can. And it bothered her. So she started asking questions, and visiting shelters, and collecting cash for the cause by making “ladybug” donation containers (she likes ladybugs) out of baby food jars, red paint and pipe cleaners.

And now, after nine remarkable years, she’s become the face of the Ladybug Foundation, a registered non-profit charity that has raised more than $2 million for more than 40 shelters, soup kitchens and food banks across the country. Along the way, she has also supported efforts affecting poverty and youth and we are pleased to have Hannah lend her support for the Victoria Youth Clinic.

Hannah has spoken at more than 200 events, had part of a Winnipeg shelter named after her (Hannah’s Place), written a book (Ruby’s Hope) about her experiences, been named one of Canada’s most powerful women by the Women’s Executive Network, received a Humanitarian Award from the federal government and met with, among others, Governer General Michaelle Jean and Irish rock star/activist Sir Bob Geldof.