The Humanitarian Heart Award recognizes an individual, community group or organization that has selflessly worked to improve the lives of others, with dignity and compassion.
The DIVERSEcity Awards of Impact highlighted local community changemakers making a difference in their local communities. One of those changemakers is Madison Fleischer. She was the winner of the Humanitarian Heart Award, sponsored by Fairmile Supplies.
A non-status Metis with Ukrainian ancestry, Madison is a law graduate described as a dedicated philanthropist, community advocate and force for positive change, volunteering with many organizations and causes.
As a co-founder of X-Treme Clothing Boutique in Tsawwassen, BC, Madison launched Slava Sweatshirts, a merchandise line whose profits were donated to Ukraine support efforts. This endeavour earned her the BC Medal of Good Citizenship.
Publisher Dal Hothi from the Surrey Now-Leader, the event’s media sponsor, presented the award to Madison alongside Anna Aveido, DIVERSEcity’s Manager of Office Services and Neelam Sahota, CEO.
“I’m incredible honoured to accept this award, and it’s more than just an award — it’s a reminder for us all, a reminder of the power to community, one that extends from coast to coast and across the globe for the common good. There’s much more to be done and all of us have a role to play in this to build a more just and equal world for a more peaceful and prosperous future,” Madison said.
“I’m blessed to live in a country that we call Canada, that empowers changemakers, upholds democracy and is a society of that encourages young people, young women like myself, to be meaningful changemakers. With the juris doctor under my belt and a heart eager to serve in a greater capacity, my work here is certainly not done. Together, let’s choose forward, let’s advance peace and justice and make our world a better one for today and generations to come.”