How My Story Inspired the Zac Sac: Keeping Kids with Disabilities Warm
Winter in Alberta is no joke. The biting cold and relentless winds can make it challenging for anyone to enjoy time outdoors, let alone kids with disabilities who rely on wheelchairs. Growing up with cerebral palsy and using a wheelchair since I was four, I experienced this firsthand. The winters often left me feeling excluded, stuck indoors while other kids played outside. Blankets were a poor solution—they’d slide off, get tangled in my wheelchair, or leave me exposed to the elements.
My family and I weren’t about to let that stop me from enjoying life. That’s where the Zac Sac story begins. The best part? Zac Sacs are completely free.
The Birth of the Zac Sac
Back in 1995, my mom, Heather, got creative. She took an old sleeping bag and transformed it into a warm, more wind-resistant covering for me. It wasn’t fancy as it was bulky, but it worked and didn’t fall off or get caught in my wheels. Suddenly, I could be outside, play, and enjoy the snow without worrying about freezing. It was such a small adjustment, yet it had an enormous impact on my life.
Years later, we realized something: If this solution worked for me, why couldn’t it work for other kids too? That’s when the idea for the Zac Sac really took off.
Turning a Personal Solution Into a Community Mission
Fast forward to today, and my family and I are working through the Zachary Weeks Foundation to make sure no child with a disability has to sit out on winter fun. The Zac Sac has been reimagined and redesigned to be not only functional but also practical.
So far, we’ve distributed well over 100 Zac Sacs to families in Alberta, British Columbia, and beyond (despite being stalled during the COVID pandemic). These aren’t just your “ordinary blankets”—they’re about giving kids the freedom to enjoy winter and helping parents feel confident their child is safe and warm.
Why This Matters
The feedback we’ve received has been heartwarming. Parents have told us how Zac Sacs have transformed winter outings, letting their kids enjoy outdoor activities without worry. For six-year-old Angel Ulrich, who also has cerebral palsy, his Zac Sac isn’t just a winter accessory; it’s a gateway to being a kid, even in the harshest months.
Here’s How You Can Help
If this mission resonates with you, there are a few ways you can support:
Reach out if you know a family who could benefit from one of our creations.
Spread the word about the Zachary Weeks Foundation and the Zac Sac.
Donate funds or Fabricland gift cards to help us buy materials.
Winter Belongs to Everyone
At the end of the day, this initiative isn’t just about staying warm—it’s about inclusivity and making sure every child has the chance to enjoy the simple joys of life, no matter their abilities. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished so far, and I’m excited to see how many more lives we can touch with something as simple as a Zac Sac.
If you’d like to learn more, support our mission, or get involved, reach out. Together, we can make sure no child is left out in the cold.
