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BIOGRAPHY
Kahir Lalji is the Provincial Director, Government Relations & Programs with the United Way of British Columbia – working with communities in BC’s Interior, Lower Mainland and Central & Northern Vancouver Island – and was the Executive Director of the United Way Southern Interior BC until July 1, 2021. Working at a programmatic and policy level, Kahir takes a life-course approach in the provision of accessible services to support a good quality of life for all people - always attempting to ensure the representation of traditionally underserved populations.Kahir is a Gerontologist with a Masters of Gerontology from Simon Fraser University, and also has a fellowship in developmental leadership and evaluation. With 15+ years of non-profit leadership experience, Kahir has extensive experience in community development initiatives enabling him to effectively facilitate engagement with various knowledge user groups with which he has developed ongoing relationships. He has curated effective, longstanding partnerships with all levels of Government(s), Civil Society organizations, Nonprofits and others.Kahir is on the Advisory Board of Aging 2.0, the President of the Board of Directors for British Columbia Original Minds Association. Kahir also serves on the Board of Directors for HelpAge Canada and BC211 and is a Member on the Aga Khan Health Board for Canada.
MEDIA APPEARANCES
IFA Global Cafe
FacebookJuly 23, 2021
In Conversation with Mr Kahir Lalji on “Role of Culture and Community in Recognizing Diversity and Fostering Inclusion Among Older Immigrants and Other Underrepresented Populations"
Okanagan charities boosted by United Way grant
Vernon Morning StarJuly 19, 2021
“Community organizations that have participated in the Sustainable Recovery Grants program in the past have experienced significant advancements in their social enterprises, leadership and other areas of functioning,” said Kahir Lalji, United Way British Columbia’s provincial director of government relations and programs. “We are confident that this year’s grant recipients will strengthen their abilities to serve the community through the pandemic and beyond.”
Canada: Friday Night Reflections
The Ishmaili TVJune 18, 2021
Hosts Roshan Jinnah, Nazirah Premji, and Zahra Premji explore the importance of planning to ensure healthy, active, and happy lives. President Ameerally Kassim-Lakha will announce a new partnership with the United Way – launching the Aging in Place tool, a self-guided tool for families to plan their future. We will hear from members of the Jamat on how they have navigated life transitions with their family, and we will get an understanding of the new Aging in Place tool with its creator Kahir Lalji, the executive director of the United Way for the Southern Interior of BC.
Recovery grants available
CastanetMay 04, 2021
“The work supported by the Sustainable Recovery Grants has proven to be effective in building the capacity and resilience of participating charities during these challenging times. We are pleased to partner with Purppl and our fellow SRG funders to provide charities with the opportunity to strengthen their ability to serve the community during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond,” says Kahir Lalji, executive director, United Way SIBC.
Winter is already a trying time for some seniors. COVID-19 will make it worse
CBC NewsNovember 27, 2020
More than 15,000 seniors were referred to the program between March and the end of September. "We know that there are a fair number of hidden seniors who are extremely isolated and vulnerable," said Kahir Lalji, provincial director of healthy aging for the United Way. He said some of the "ultra-isolated" have been identified through contact with paramedics, police officers and religious organizations.
Coronavirus: Dozen Okanagan agencies benefit from funds to help with health crisis
Global NewsMay 17, 2020
“During times of dire need and crises, it is more important than ever for us to come together to most effectively meet the needs of the people and communities we serve,” said Kahir Lalji, executive director of United Way SIBC.
United Way provides PPE to Okanagan charities
Kelowna Capital NewsMay 14, 2020
Executive director Kahir Lalji said from what they’ve heard from around the valley, those items were the hardest for charities to find. He said the distribution day in Kelowna was the first to be held, but there are more to come. “There will be more distribution centres for PPE throughout the South, Central and North Okanagan communities,” he said.
Active aging program helps local seniors
CTV NewsNovember 28, 2019
"Programs like Active Aging really provide an opportunity to create new support systems, to be able to enhance one's self-esteem, sense of belonging and sense of purpose," explained Kahir Lalji, director of provincial and population Health for United Way of the Lower Mainland.
Articles
Categorically Speaking
United Way Healthy Aging2021Have you noticed that when we discuss Seniors publicly, we tend to talk about them as if they were a just a category? Whatever the issue (and it’s almost always one of decline or jeopardy), it appears to impact all seniors equally because they’re typically described as one giant, indistinct group. Categorically speaking, seniors aren’t a very uplifting subject.
Islamophobia in Canada
The Patriotic Vanguard2021My heart is heavy right now as we mourn the senseless loss of four innocent lives in London, Ontario. The lives of four members of a loving family, ranging in age from 15 to 74, were cut devastatingly short and a nine-year-old child is now left as an orphan. This was a deliberate act of terrorism fueled by Islamophobia and hatred.
This year, many more of us will be alone for the holidays
The Vancouver Sun2020Winter is here. The nights are growing longer, and the days are getting colder. Fortunately, December has arrived with its colourful lights and bright decorations to shine in the dark. It’s the time of year where we traditionally see family feasts, children’s concerts and other seasonal events, all filled with friendship and kinship to keep us warm.
Local Love in uncertain times
BC Local News2020In the face of uncertainty, our sector rallied together to support our community. Ten months into the pandemic, I recently took some time to reflect on how, among others, thousands of non-profit agencies in the social and community service sector stepped up to tirelessly support the urgent and increased needs of the most vulnerable in our community.
MORE INFORMATION
Area of Expertise
Affiliation
Destination Imagination : President, Board of Directors
HelpAge Canada : Vice Chair, Board of Directors
National Association of Professional Gerontologists : Member
Aga Khan Health Board for Canada : Member
BC211 : Director, Board of Directors
Aging 2.0 BC Chapter : Advisory Member, Government and Community Relations
Education
Dialogues in Action : Developmental Leadership
Simon Fraser University : Gerontology
Citizen University : Non Profit Executive Management
Simon Fraser University : Sociology And Political Science
Media
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