NBCHS grad youngest ever to receive Saskatchewan volunteer medal

Mann currently attends University of Saskatchewan (U of S) in Saskatoon where she studies cellular, physiological and pharmacological sciences to pursue her interest in global healthcare and community service. The young woman is also a Chancellor Scholar with U of S.

Originally from India, since the time Mann came Canada to stay in 2015 she dedicated time to volunteerism.

“It has been a part of my focus since I was very little,” she said.

Mann said when she was growing up, her parents and grandparents encouraged her to take up volunteerism, highly valued in her culture.

She added that volunteering also helped her immerse herself in the community in her new home, and “learn about people around me in general to be a bit more connected…”

Mann is the founder and chief executive officer of Youth Helping Youth Saskatchewan, which provides career mentorship, advice and opportunities for community involvement to help students’ with their personal and professional development goals.

She also volunteers for Jack.org, the Amal Club at the U of S, and the Arts and Science Students’ Union. In the past, Mann volunteered for the Battlefords Union Hospital, The Boys and Girls Clubs of the Battlefords (now known as BGC Battlefords), the Lighthouse, and spearheaded a Meals on Wheels project during the pandemic.

“I was very happy to lend a helping hand to Meals on Wheels during a time when not a lot of people could come out and volunteer,” Mann said.

She thanks several people including NBCHS principal Jay Nichol and Saskatchewan NDP Leader Ryan Meili for endorsing her nomination for the Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal.

The teen encourages other young people to also spend time volunteering wherever they live.

“This award was not something I was looking to achieve,” Mann added. “In fact, I didn’t even know it existed. When I did get my call that I had received it, it was a bit of a shock for me.”

She mentioned for people thinking about starting volunteering, they shouldn’t do it with a reward in mind.

“Just think about all the benefits you are going to gain for your own personal development, like how your worldview is going to expand, how you are going to meet so many new people and make a lot of connections,” Mann said.

Eight other individuals were also honoured with the 2021 Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal.

Noëla Bamford, Regina
Bob Bjarnason, Churchbridge
Velma Harasen, Regina
Major (Ret’d) Keith Inches, CD, Regina
Captain (Ret’d) Cathy Sarich, CD, Saskatoon
Bob White, Rosetown (posthumous)
Joyce Willick, Spiritwood
Elaine Wirtz, Wadena

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angela.brown@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW

by Angela Brown

NBCHS grad youngest ever to receive Saskatchewan volunteer medal

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