Northern Lights recipient – Daisy Mella

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Location: Fort McMurray, Alberta

It was the Fort McMurray wildfires that first ignited Daisy Mella’s passion for community service – and at 16 years old, she is already a veteran volunteer. As the northern city began the long process of rebuilding, Daisy lent her talent as a singer to the continuing care unit of the Northern Lights Hospital, entertaining patients with song and dance. Later, when the pandemic halted in-person performances, Daisy took to the online airwaves and became a virtual virtuoso, bringing a musical note of joy to those dealing with illness.

Daisy has also stepped up to sing for other people’s supper, using her virtual musical performances as a way to raise funds to support the purchase of rice for those impacted by the spring flooding that hit the community in 2020. She also stepped up to help in recovery efforts, offering to help with the collection of debris left in the wake of the retreating flood waters. Other organizations like the local food bank, King’s Kid Promotions and the Multicultural Association of Wood Buffalo are among groups that have attracted Daisy's volunteer efforts.

Though the flames of the Fort McMurray wildfires have long since been extinguished, Daisy continues to burn with a desire to help her community in times of need.