KHUSHI CHOWHAN vividly remembers her heart breaking while driving down Métis Trail in Calgary.
There were dozens of people with makeshift homes by the side of the road and others asking for a couple of dollars at stoplights.
Chowhan made the decision right then and there she would do something to help.
“I lost my dad a few years ago, and he always gave back to the community,” says Chowhan.
“His name was Yad, which is ‘day’ spelled backwards. So, I created the Day to Give Back project. Since I was little, my dad would always tell me to give back to those struggling.”
Day to Give Back is a non-profit that helps Calgary’s homeless population by providing care packages filled with essential items. The organization has also helped families struggling with affording school supplies, and has created a line of hoodies supporting Airdrie POWER and AARCS.
Chowhan is also pursuing a public relations degree at Mount Royal University, where she hopes to use her skills to grow Day to Give Back into an established charity in Canada.
“Khushi’s role as a leader is not just about organizing events or fundraising; it’s about fostering a culture of giving and inclusivity,” says Chowhan’s mother and nominator, Rajvinder Chowhan.
“She continuously motivates others to become involved in local causes, whether it’s through her non-profit work, community partnerships or day-to-day interactions.”