Our Story
"Alone we can do so little; Together we can do so much."
~Hellen Keller
Helping Hands was founded in December 2024 by the mother-daughter team of Jan Guy and Michelle Mericle, believing that sometimes we all just need a helping hand. Throughout her journey as a devoted single mother to Michelle, Jan embarked on working tirelessly to build a business of her own in order to secure both of our futures. Jan always promised that if her company did well and was successful, she would strive to help others around her, because she and her daughter had been graciously and lovingly helped and supported when they needed it most, by different family members and friends, over the years.
Jan's main dream was to be able to send Michelle to university so that she could have choices, and so that she would have the security to be able to take care of herself and own family one day. Through many years of hard work and sacrifice, with some help along the way, Michelle went on to attend the University of Lethbridge to earn her Bachelor of Arts, and to the University of Calgary to earn her Bachelor of Education. Michelle's life long dream of becoming an elementary teacher, and Jan's goal of helping her get there was achieved.
Jan's dedicated drive to give back, along with Michelle's experiences of seeing the growing needs of children and families while teaching in public schools for over 20 years, and becoming a single mother to two children myself, combined perfectly for them to create this family foundation.
Jan and Michelle proudly stand behind the mission and vision of Helping Hands Community Bridge Foundation (AB). They know how impactful a little bit of kindness and support can be in changing someone's life, because they lived it. And now they want to share it to others who may be in need.
Meet The Team
(Updates added soon!)
Our Partner Schools
Deer Run School ~ Calgary, Alberta
Haultain Memorial School ~ Calgary, Alberta





