A DNA of devotion
Kindness comes naturally to dedicated volunteer and alum.
By Manreet Birdi
Every year passionate volunteer, Manisha Braithwaite, BA’97, gives more than 200 hours of her time to underserved communities worldwide. “I need to be mindful of my time management,” smiles Manisha. “But I will always jump on board with causes that resonate with me.”
The repertoire of organizations Manisha has dedicated her time and talent to is astounding. A seasoned volunteer, she has spent the past three decades helping others feel valued, loved and supported. And the list of causes and organizations who have benefited from her dedication and commitment throughout the years continues to grow.
Inspired by a family of “helpers”, Manisha grew up watching her parents support newcomers to Canada, which she credits to helping her evolve as an active volunteer.
In 2022, she received Western Alumni’s coveted Community Service Award, and since then Manisha has continued her work in California while achieving many volunteer milestones.
An innate need to help
Manisha’s desire to help children came from her first-generation immigrant upbringing. Growing up with an extended family meant everyone lived together – from cousins, uncles and aunts to grandparents, parents, and everyone in between.
“Being one of the oldest of the kids, we were like the ‘caretakers’ for the youngest, so I’ve always felt that calling towards children.”
Manisha is currently a Community Engagement Coordinator with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, a community-based free book gifting program that once a month delivers a brand new, high-quality, age-appropriate book directly to the home of children from birth to age five, who are enrolled in the program. The Imagination Library program is dedicated to inspiring a love of reading and promoting early childhood literacy.
Western made the difference
Despite her shyness, Manisha discovered volunteering was the catalyst to help her come out of her shell. She discovered event planning, fundraising and giving of her time came naturally. “My passion for volunteering really took off when I became part of Saugeen-Maitland Hall’s Philanthropy Committee at Western and volunteering for events like Shinerama and clothing and food drives.”
Manisha’s generous spirit and gentle personality have made her an invaluable member of their teams, and her contributions are recognized even years after her service has come to an end.
For the children
When she was first starting out, Manisha took extra courses to better support children who have experienced early childhood trauma. She wanted to ensure her time with kids would have a meaningful impact on their lives.
Manisha spent over seven years working in the foster care space and began as a Therapeutic Learning Centre Assistant, working with children who came from traumatic backgrounds. Years later, many of them stay in touch with Manisha.
“It’s a joy that these children still reach out to me to grab a hot chocolate or ask me to attend their sports games and dance recitals. Many of these kids come from backgrounds of abandonment, so I deeply commit to keeping my bonds with them. They made such an incredible impact on my own life, so I owe it to them.”
A fulfilling journey
From the simple act of holding the hand of an overwhelmed child or raising money for big organizations, Manisha has bettered the lives of so many people, bringing them light and kindness.
Volunteerism is such an intrinsic part of her DNA that her husband jokes, “where are you volunteering this weekend?”
Manisha considers herself privileged to serve in so many communities through in-person and virtual volunteer work. She lives by the sentiment: “Being good isn’t always about the things that you are. It’s also about the things that you do.”
For anyone looking to start their own journey in volunteerism, Manisha explains that it is tremendously rewarding, no matter how much energy you give to it. “Work with what your heart tells you. If it doesn’t resonate, don’t force it. I strongly encourage everyone to volunteer, even if it’s just once – always know that you are making a difference.”
