I’m Naisha Bansal,

Perfect Foundation (Volunteer):

My work with Perfect Foundation revolved around blood donation drives, which presented a unique challenge: how do you motivate people to give something as personal as blood for a cause that doesn’t directly affect them? I found that the answer lay in education and empathy.

By spearheading awareness campaigns, I wasn’t just encouraging people to donate—I was changing their perceptions of what it means to contribute to the community. I worked on creating a narrative that helped people see blood donation not as a sacrifice, but as an opportunity to save lives, particularly those of the sick and disabled. Through personal stories and community-driven outreach, we were able to significantly increase participation in the drives, resulting in tangible benefits for those in need.

For me, this experience was a lesson in how powerful teamwork can be when driven by a common cause. It was also a humbling reminder of the importance of small actions. While a single blood donation might seem insignificant, when combined with others, it has the potential to save lives. The collaborative spirit I developed through this project not only strengthened my ability to work with others but also deepened my commitment to making every individual effort count.

Habitat for Humanity (Student Fundraiser):

As a student fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity, I learned how to transform abstract goals into real-world results. Fundraising, especially in times of crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic, required a strategic approach—one that involved both creativity and persistence. Leading two campaigns that collectively raised over $9,000 was no small feat, and the responsibility weighed heavily on me, but it also pushed me to grow.

The first campaign was particularly challenging as it was during a global pandemic. People were overwhelmed, resources were scarce, and everyone was coping with uncertainty. Yet, I realized that this made the need for support even more critical. By leveraging online platforms and engaging in personalized outreach, I was able to raise over $6,000, which provided essential goods to more than 800,000 individuals. I had to learn how to adapt quickly to changing circumstances, using both digital tools and personal connections to motivate others to give.

The second campaign, which focused on raising $3,000 for low-income housing, helped me understand the long-term importance of safe and secure shelter. This wasn’t just about immediate relief, but about giving families the foundation they needed to build better futures. Through these experiences, I developed resilience and learned how to inspire trust and commitment from others. Fundraising taught me how to translate a vision into action and showed me that with determination, even the most daunting goals can be achieved.

Relay for Life (RBK):

Since Grade 6, my involvement in Relay for Life has been a personal mission to support cancer research and bring attention to a cause that affects so many. While the event itself was an annual one, my dedication to the cause deepened with each year. I moved from being a participant to becoming someone who actively promoted cancer awareness within my school and community.

Relay for Life is more than just a fundraising event—it’s a space for people to share their stories, find support, and heal together. I grew as an empathetic listener, learning how to provide emotional support to those affected by cancer, including survivors and family members. Through these interactions, I learned that sometimes the most impactful way to help is simply by being present and offering a sense of solidarity.

Tridhatu 10k Monsoon Run (2022):

Volunteering at the Tridhatu 10k Monsoon Run allowed me to merge my passion for fitness with community service. This event was not only a celebration of health and well-being but also an opportunity to support local causes. With over 4,000 participants, the logistical challenges were immense, but I stepped up by coordinating volunteers and helping to ensure the event ran smoothly.

This experience taught me the importance of balancing personal well-being with community engagement. The run encouraged participants to take care of their health, but it also brought attention to the social causes we were supporting. Through my role, I contributed to fostering a spirit of community engagement, helping others see the intersection between personal growth and societal responsibility.