Congratulations to Mount Allison University Co-Chapter President, Meghan MacDonald, for receiving the 2011 Young Humanitarian Award in New Brunswick!  The Young Humanitarian Award is presented annually to individuals who have demonstrated the spirit of humanity through volunteer work, advocacy, leadership and/or philanthropy in their community or around the world. 

Meghan is currently in her third year of her Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in International Relations and a minor in Economics.  She has been helping lead the Best Buddies chapter at Mount Allison since March 2011.  She has worked hard to establish friendships with Mount Allison students and Atelier L'Artisan clients, a new host site in the neighbouring community of Memramcook. 

Meghan MacDonald with her award and Frank McKenna, former New Brunswick Premier and 2011 Humanitarian Award winner

- Photo reproduced with permission from Red Cross


"I wanted to get involved with Best Buddies because I loved the idea that Best Buddies looks to form friendships. It respects and promotes equality, and it doesn't rest upon the notion that a neurotypical human being is in any way superior than those with disabilities," said Meghan. "I find even the most well intended organizations can sometimes forget we are all equal. My goals for the MTA chapter are to establish a solid foundation for a great club for future years, and to give our buddies in Memramcook the best year that they've ever had!"

Volunteering has been a part of Meghan's life from the time she was a young child.  In addition to volunteering with Best Buddies, Meghan plays on the women's rugby team, tutors a child, has travelled with Youth Partnership Jamaica and has won numerous other awards for her many contributions to the community.

"I think volunteering is important because I think that its volunteering that will change the world we live in now. Together through volunteering, and through being compassionate more generally, I think we can accomplish things we've never thought possible. Even if you're helping one person, it is still one person that would never have had your help before. Also, I think you often get back so much more than you could ever put in," explained Meghan. "I've never left a place where I have volunteered without being incredibly happy. It's the most beneficial act we have in our world, and I think if we all took an hour a day to volunteer, the world would be a significantly different place."

Read more about Meghan's award.

- With notes from www.redcross.ca