10-year-old Calgary girl honoured with Diana Award for humanitarian work

A 10-year-old Calgarian is being recognized for her outstanding humanitarian work with a prestigious international award.

Allysha Nicole Nolasco is one of three Calgary recipients this year of the Diana Award, a humanitarian award given annually to young people in memory of the Princess of Wales. 

The 10-year-old uses her singing and painting skills to raise funds for various organizations, including the Ronald McDonald House and the Canadian Cancer Society. The cancer society is a cause that's close to her heart as her grandmother is going through chemotherapy. She has also organized a shoebox campaign for Samaritan's Purse.

Allysha told CBC she hopes to inspire others to make change. 

"Showing kindness to everybody, it means if you share kindness to one person, you can share kindness to everybody," she said. "Some people think I am a role model, which is good. It makes me feel proud and it makes me feel like even though your age is small you can still do big things."

Sharon Hinayo Nolasco helps package and market her daughter's paintings, and sells them on Facebook for charity. She says Allysha had always wanted to be involved in charitable works.

"It was a surprise for us. Someone nominated Allysha who had seen all her efforts, and it started from there," she said. "We as parents are very proud of her."

Hinayo Nolasco sees a lot of Princess Diana's selfless traits in Allysha.

"Her compassion, her passion about community service and loving the people and sharing her guidance without expecting in return … she is someone we admire," Hinayo Nolasco said. "That gives inspiration, especially to the little ones like Allysha."

The award recognizes young change makers who support social causes.

"Allysha is a highly committed volunteer for many different causes," the Diana Award organization said in a release.

"Her passion ranges from comforting and supporting young cancer and cystic fibrosis patients to tackling bullying and supporting people with disabilities. She is also involved in fundraising, community walks and providing practical aid and companionship to people in need."

Allysha received her certificate in a virtual awards ceremony July 1 — on the late Princess Diana's birthday.

"I feel crazy and excited because we didn't expect this at first," she said.

Maddi Tory, 16, of Calgary also received a Diana Award, for her work bringing cheer to children in hospital. Maddi started an initiative called Hugs that raises funds through merchandise and entertains through "hug parties" that involve kid-friendly activities like build-a-bear workshops and making a wish on a unicorn.

Hugs has donated nearly $40,000 toward Alberta Children's Hospital initiatives over the past three years.

Kiana Rawji, 19, of Calgary received the Diana Award for creating an online entrepreneurship and networking program for girls in East Africa, called Gentr, which has raised more than $50,000.

"We congratulate all our new Diana Award recipients who are change makers for their generation," said Tessy Ojo, CEO of the Diana Award, in a release.

"We know by receiving this honour they will inspire more young people to get involved in their communities and begin their own journey as active citizens."