SINCE releasing her debut CD Melodies of Melanie, To Jamaica With Love last year, 18-year-old Melanie Canagaratnam has donated $600,000 from its sales to the Mustard Seed communities.

Mustard Seed communities, founded by Father Gregory Ramkissoon, cares for abandoned and disabled children as well as the elderly.

According to the Canada-born Hillel Academy student, she was made aware of the communities’ needs through service work.

The album was launched in her home town of Mississauga, Canada, where she grew up. Her parents organised the event and invited relatives and friends. She said that night she raised US$4,000.

“My family and friends have always been there for me; supporting everything I do especially my singing,” said Canagaratnam, who migrated to Jamaica in 2007.

“We also showed a clip of my favourite charities, Mustard Seed Communities and Missionaries of the Poor and their great work in Jamaica.”

Melodies of Melanie, To Jamaica With Love comprises 13 tracks.

“This album has a variety of music from classical, popular Broadway musical and even a Jamaican folk song. I have sung in three different languages — English, French and Italian,” she said.

Canagaratnam said every citizen has a responsibility.

“I believe every individual has a responsibility as a citizen of the world to be proud about their country and do their part to help their community. Being a non-Jamaican, if I can do my part to this beautiful country I live in, then what’s stopping those who do not do their part?”