Her birthday gift is giving

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This article was published 16/12/2019 (2279 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Michelle Gazze is so passionate about volunteering, she even uses her birthday to help others.

The River Heights resident, who turned 34 last week, is hosting a yoga class in support of Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba (IRCOM). People who attend are asked to make a donation, all of which will go to IRCOM.

“I always try to host some type of fundraiser around my birthday so that the collective energy of my family and friends can help the community,” Gazze says.

For past birthdays, she organized a clothing drive for the Canadian Muslim Women’s Institute, worked in the kitchen at Siloam Mission, prepared a home-cooked meal for Ronald McDonald House and delivered hampers for the Christmas Cheer Board.

Part of Gazze’s motivation is to expose people to different volunteer opportunities and show them that getting involved isn’t as difficult as they might think.

Born in Winnipeg to Guyanese immigrants, Gazze began volunteering when she was 16. She credits her mother with teaching her that there’s always something one can do to help others.

“Volunteering doesn’t have to look the same for everyone,” Gazze says. “Money, talents, service, time — there are so many ways to give that community members can incorporate into their daily lives.”

This past year, she volunteered with the True North Youth Foundation’s “Welcome to Winnipeg” events, which introduced newcomer families to different winter activities.

Growing up in the Maples, Gazze encountered many people who were new to Canada. As a result, volunteering with organizations that assist newcomers is important to her.

“Having a sense of community and knowing people had my back made me more confident to explore different opportunities, try new things and realize my potential,” says Gazze, a communications professional who has worked in Toronto and Dubai. “I want to be able to spread that (support) to other families who are arriving in Canada for the first time.”

Gazze chose IRCOM as the beneficiary of her latest birthday event because of her experience volunteering with the organization.

“I’ve seen the direct impact they make on families’ lives every single day.”

Gazze’s community-mindedness and selflessness is admirable, says Fitsum Getahun, director of programming at IRCOM.

“(The fundraiser) is a great way for her to show her support for the work IRCOM does,” Getahun says.

“I genuinely appreciate her generosity and kindness… She’s just amazing.”

Gazze’s fundraiser will take place on Dec. 21 at Cloakroom Wellness on Albert Street. Monique Pantel, a certified yoga instructor, will lead the class.

The event is predominantly for Gazze’s family and friends, but there is room for others.

Email michellegazze@gmail.com for details.

While reflecting on her volunteer work, Gazze mentions a quote that motivates her: “If we are bold enough to point out problems, we must be brave enough to try to solve them.

“That really drives my purpose and passion for supporting our community,” she says.

If you know a special volunteer, please contact aaron.epp@gmail.com.