Who were the Zyps?

Yes, it’s Zyp, not Zip. Why you wonder? Because we are named after two amazing people Hank and Tillie Zyp. Here is their story.

Hank and Tillie Zyp embodied true generosity of spirit and compassion for all. In the 60s, they were one of the few families around Edmonton, Canada to open their home to Indigenous children from local reserves in order that they may attend high school. (The reserve, at that time, had no high schools, and no buses to ferry the children).

While in the 70s, Tillie and Hank created not one, but two NGOs - Change for Children and Rainbow of Hope for Children - both continue to flourish today. Through these non-profits the Zyps supported communities in developing nations. They helped those communities build grassroot projects in order to better their lives. Their method of support, uniquely focused on a rights-based approach that respected local ownership of the development process, and participation by local people. The Zyps understood that only locals know the reality of their situations and just needed to understand their rights and the processes to develop their communities.

In 1979, the Zyps with 10 other people from Enoch's Our Lady of Mercy Parish sponsored the Tran family from a refugee camp in the aftermath of the Vietnam war.

Onwards, from the 80s till their passing, the Zyps continued with their mission to help give a voice to the voiceless. They supported local community projects in Edmonton that involved the Indigenous community, the poor of Edmonton's inner city, and the youth of the city.  

Those that knew the Zyps all recount the respect and love they emanated to all. People were always welcomed into their home, no one was exempted from their appreciation and kindness. Hank was the public face of the couple, he was the artist with the golden tongue that was guided by the desire to educate and illuminate people's struggles. Tillie, the passion, did not care for the limelight. She preferred engaging individually with people and tirelessly volunteering and managing their charities.