For her international and national humanitarian work, the city of Fort McMurray’s Mayor Melissa Blake and Council awarded her with the 2016 Citizen Recognition Award. While being evacuated from the city, she not only managed to compete for Miss Universe Canada 2016, but also raise money for evacuees like herself, but also Operation Smile Canada Foundation before heading off to competition. Her efforts for keeping the community clean and volunteering with numerous other charities and causes were also noted. Becoming an ambassador and project manager for the United Nations youth programs in her community, she speaks with youth about the importance of embracing other cultures and backgrounds as well as being inclusive. She started her position with the United Nations Association of Canada back in June of 2016 and continues to grow the programs in her community. She will be competing in this years Miss Universe Canada as well and you can follow her journey on her website www.missvanessachauhan.ca or click the links below to read more on her and her work.

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