#ciff event

"This is where I have known my neighbours and community more intimately than anywhere else in the world," shares Michelle. "It's the kind of place where people get to know each other, and I really appreciate that. When you and your family call a city home, I feel that it is so important to be connected to your community. Neighbourhoods like Inglewood and Kensington have always made me feel the most at home."

When Michelle moved away as a nine-year-old, she always found a special place in her heart for the city and came back as often as possible to visit. "When I got the job filming Heartland, I was so happy because it was a great excuse to spend more time where I grew up," says Michelle. "Calgary has become home for me again because over the past ten years, since the beginning of Heartland, I've been here for six months of the year. I always moved around a lot growing up, but this is one of the most special places I have lived."

Citing Calgary as an extremely accessible city, Michelle names the arts and culture scene as one of the driving forces to her returning to the city as much as possible. "I really love the Sied Island Music Festival," shares Michelle. "I've been attending since its first year, and I just remember riding my bike around, going from show to show - they have some amazing bands, and I love that scene."

Beyond loving the outstanding support for live music, Michelle is also a major foodie and finds the food scene in Calgary one of the best in Canada. "Before I had kids, I used to go out a lot to eat, and it was pretty abysmal how few options we had back then," laughs Michelle. "Now, I love in Vancouver, which is praised as one of the best food cities in the world, but to be honest, I always miss the restaurants here. A few of my favourites are Una Pizza + Wine and The Nash in Inglewood. It is just such a great food scene that never feels pretentious or out of reach."

Having spent the past ten years building her character, Lou Fleming, on the hit show, Heartland, the show has become a massive part of her life. The fans are a huge part of the show's success: hundreds came into Calgary last fall for the Calgary International Film Festival's Showcase Alberta event that celebrated a decade of Heartland. Having developed very personal connections to these well-known characters and storylines on the show, Heartland fans are truly dedicated in supporting this part of Canadian television history.

"I know that we make a good show on Heartland, but it is still always very awe-inspiring to me hearing these stories of people who have travelled across the world to see the set or meet us," says Michelle. "We've heard some incredible stories of how the show has made an impact on people's lives and helped them through hard times. These stories always amaze me - it is really incredible and touching."

When asked about why she thinks people find such a connection to Heartland, Michelle shared: "I suppose the story reaches so many people because they feel like they are part of a family. We're always sitting at the table, eating, talking, spending time together in a home. I think people feel they can be a part of that family. I've really appreciated this since having children. My daughter has been watching since she was two (she is six now) and loves the show."

Beyond her busy life as a mother and actor, Michelle is also a devoted volunteer and philanthropist, namely for organizations that support and assist the welfare of women. Having volunteered with women's shelters for over 17 years, Michelle has become a true advocate for developing programs of support and care for families in need. "It was always a cause that I felt I could make a difference in. I love supporting families who need help and by trying to make a difference in their lives, I can impact families in the community positively."

Since being back, she has started working with a woman's shelter here in the city as well as an organization called Home Front. She explains, "I act as their campaign ambassador when they do fundraising campaigns and events. I've really gotten to know these organizations and feel like I am able to help them raise money and awareness about the particular needs of the women they serve."

"Home Front is an organization that assist victims of domestic violence. They're so interesting because they help their clients through the entire process - from the court appearances to finding housing and job searching - they will even run out and pick up diapers for you. We are really lucky to have Home Front. Not every major city in Canada has an organization like them, but they should."

Giving back to the community is an important part of Michelle's life, and through working with Home Front and women's shelters, she feels we can make a difference in so many people's lives.

"I believe that we're all born good - that we're all born with good intentions and good heart. Things can go wrong along the way," shares Michelle. "I believe that if we begin by providing safe, loving homes, that is the best start that we can give children. We need to raise awareness about domestic violence because it's eroding the very fabric of our community and our country.

"Calgary has always been really good to me, and Heartland has been the best job of my career. It is so important for me to give back."

All the work Michelle has done with Home Front and other shelters is her way of giving back to a city that she has always considered home.