Manisha Braithwaite, BA'97

Recipient of the 2022 Community Service Award

The repertoire of organizations Manisha Braithwaite has dedicated her time and talent to is astounding. From children, to music, to helping those who live with cancer, Manisha has left an indelible mark on those she has volunteered with for the past three decades.

Manisha grew up watching her parents live out the example of caring for others. Going above and beyond to support newcomers to Canada, her parents paved the way for family and friends to start a successful life in Canada after immigrating.

Manisha’s passion for volunteering really took off when she became part of the of Saugeen-Maitland Hall’s Philanthropy Committee at Western, volunteering for events like Shinerama and clothing and food drives.

Event planning, fundraising and giving of her time came naturally to the once-shy student, crediting her volunteer service as the catalyst for helping her come out of her shell.

The desire to help others was too strong to ignore, her heart fiercely attached to children in particular. Manisha has been known to take extra courses in her free time to better support children who have experienced early childhood trauma to ensure she is making a meaningful impact on their lives.

Everyone who works with her says Manisha’s generous spirit and gentle personality have made her a relied upon volunteer whose contributions can’t be overlooked.

Volunteerism is such an intrinsic part of her DNA that her husband jokes weekly, “where are you volunteering this weekend?”

Whether it’s an ear for listening, a shoulder to lean on, or a gentle hand to hold, Manisha provides unwavering commitment to those she serves, helping to strengthen the community and the people within it.