Since 2021, Mazda in Canada has honoured the Local Legends who make exceptional impacts within their communities. In 2023, the focus will be on extraordinary Canadian youth who go above and beyond to do the same. Northside Mazda had the opportunity to participate and provide $5,000 in support to a youth aged 15 – 24 who goes above and beyond to serve our community.
We were encouraged to reach out to schools and see who would be a good fit for the program. We reached out to Stephanie Parniak and the staff at St. Mary’s College unanimously decided Abby Wing was the perfect fit. Stephanie asked a number of staff around SMC who came to mind when she said “community involvement and making the world a better place” and Abby’s name came up over and over. Abby has been involved in giving back to the community for many years and is always thinking about what she can do next. As an elementary school student, she volunteered with the ARCH fundraiser. Last year, Abby was SMC’s Faith Convenor and was constantly taking on leadership roles in the school. Everyone could always count on Abby and many times she came and offered assistance before even being asked. Her greatest accomplishment last year was taking the lead in bringing Relay for Life to St. Mary’s College. This was the first time the school hosted its own relay, and it was a huge success, raising over $30,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society. Abby made sure that every little detail was taken care of, from encouraging others to register teams to preparing gift bags for survivors that attended. Abby has once again volunteered to lead St. Mary’s College in hosting Relay in 2024. This year she will do so as part of a new student group in the school which Abby and a classmate have spearheaded, Youth uKnighted. The purpose of this group is to organize opportunities to volunteer and give back to the community as the hands and feet of Christ. While there will be a leadership team for the student driven club, all students will be invited to join in on activities and earn community involvement hours towards their graduation requirements at the same time. This will hopefully instill in students that giving back can be fun! While only 17 years old, Abby has already completed an application and been approved to be a Big Sister once she turns 18. She hopes to share her gifts with a young person in our community who is in need of a positive role model. Abby has lots of experience as a big sister at home where her family has welcomed 2 foster siblings. One of Abby’s siblings has special needs and she assists with his care and appointments. In her spare time, she works providing respite care. Abby is a community and other-minded young woman who recognizes her God-given gifts and freely shares them with others. She gives from the heart.