For Daisy Mallick, volunteering is more than giving time. It is about helping others, building connections, and making a difference in people’s lives, one act of kindness at a time.
When Daisy Mallick arrived in Canada from Bangladesh in 2008 with her husband and three teenage children, she knew that building a new life would come with challenges. Her husband, who had practised as a medical professional in Bangladesh, was unable to continue his practice in Canada due to credential recognition barriers. For the next eight to nine years, Daisy took on the responsibility of supporting her family while working at Alberta Health Services and balancing a second job.
Despite her demanding schedule, Daisy always made room for something close to her heart: volunteering.
“I’m the person who is hoping to help people,” Daisy shared. “By helping other people and family, I feel satisfied.”
Her journey with ActionDignity began in 2010, when a friend of her husband introduced her to the organization, then known as the Ethno-Cultural Council of Calgary (ECCC). At the time, Daisy was recovering at home after breaking her arms and taking time away from work. She decided to use that time to volunteer, beginning a relationship with the organization that has now spanned more than 15 years.
For Daisy, volunteering has always been about more than what she can give to others. It also brings her a sense of purpose and supports her own well-being.
“Volunteering is good for my mental health, while contributing meaningfully to the community.”
Wherever She Is Needed, Daisy Is There
Over the years, Daisy has supported ActionDignity in many ways. From helping the administrative team with reception to preparing venues for events, she has stepped in wherever an extra pair of hands was needed. She has also helped care for children during women’s programs, allowing participants to take part in activities and access support.
Her approach to volunteering is simple: be ready to help wherever you are needed.
One of Daisy’s longest-standing commitments has been supporting ActionDignity’s casino fundraising events. Since 2011, she has regularly volunteered for the overnight shifts—hours that can be particularly difficult to fill.
Sometimes, Daisy heads straight to the casino after finishing her regular workday, starting her volunteer shift at 6:30 p.m. and staying until early the following morning. At other times, she adjusts her work schedule or gives up hours from her part-time job to make room for volunteering.
These are not small commitments. They reflect the care Daisy has for ActionDignity and the community it serves.
Her dedication also speaks to an important part of community work: meaningful contributions do not always happen in the spotlight. Sometimes, they happen behind the scenes, through the quiet, consistent efforts of people who keep showing up.
Finding Connection Through Volunteering
While Daisy has given countless hours to ActionDignity, she says the experience has also enriched her own life.
Volunteering has introduced her to people from different backgrounds and given her opportunities to learn from different perspectives. It has helped her build connections across communities and deepen her understanding of the people around her.
Just as meaningful are the relationships she has developed with ActionDignity staff over the years. Daisy appreciates that staff members regularly check in with her, and some have become close friends.
That sense of connection has made her volunteer journey about more than completing tasks. It has become a lasting bond built on mutual care, trust, and a shared commitment to community.
When Helping Someone Changes a Life
For Daisy, the impact of volunteering becomes most meaningful when she sees how a small act of support can make a real difference in someone’s life.
She recalls meeting a woman in the community who was experiencing domestic violence. When the woman reached out for help, Daisy connected her with her son, who is a lawyer. He was then able to introduce the woman to a professional lawyer who could provide further assistance.
The woman later expressed her gratitude to Daisy, telling her that when she felt nobody was listening, Daisy had stepped in to help—and that support had changed her life.
For Daisy, this was a powerful reminder of why she volunteers.
Experiences like this show that helping others does not always mean having all the answers or being able to solve every problem. Sometimes, it means listening, responding with compassion, and connecting someone with the right support.
A simple act of kindness can open a door when someone needs it most.
From Community Volunteer to a Voice in Civic Decision-Making
Daisy’s commitment to community extends beyond her volunteer work. She has also applied to serve on one of The City of Calgary’s Boards, Commissions and Committees (BCCs), which provide advice to City Council and contribute to municipal decision-making.
As a Bangladeshi woman, Daisy is excited about the possibility of bringing her community’s perspectives into policy discussions and helping ensure that more voices are represented in decisions that affect people’s lives.
Her interest reflects a broader belief that community members should have opportunities not only to receive support, but also to shape the systems and decisions that affect them.
This is closely connected to ActionDignity’s work to advance equity through transformational change: creating opportunities for communities to speak up about their needs, participate meaningfully, and help build a more just and equitable Calgary.
Looking ahead, Daisy hopes ActionDignity will continue supporting community members to make their voices heard.
“With the support of ActionDignity, community members can speak up for their needs. Their voices would be heard more. Every community will thrive.”
A Message to Future Volunteers
After more than 15 years with ActionDignity, Daisy’s message to anyone considering volunteering is straightforward. You do not need to make grand gestures to make a difference. Giving your time and helping someone through a difficult moment can be meaningful in itself.
“If you volunteer, you can make some people’s lives easier, bring a smile to their face, and this will give you satisfaction.”
Daisy’s story reminds us that a stronger community is built through the everyday actions of people who care—those who give their time, lend a hand, listen without judgment, and help others find a way forward.
We are grateful to Daisy for more than 15 years of dedication to ActionDignity. Her generosity, reliability, and commitment to helping others reflect the spirit of community that continues to inspire our work.
Thank you, Daisy, for showing us what it means to put dignity into action.