Volunteering has always been an important part of Latif Jamani’s life. “Our (Ismaili) community does everything together, whether it is to celebrate or to volunteer.” So from an early age, Latif understood his responsibility to make a
difference.
Today he is involved with the Aga Khan Foundation Development Network, an organization that reaches out to vulnerable populations on four continents. Every year the organization hosts an event called World Partnership Walk. Latif participates in the walk itself and also volunteers as a corporate ambassador approaching businesses who may
want to partner with the Foundation. Last year, the walk in nine cities across Canada raised $5.5 million that funded international development initiatives in some of the world’s poorest communities.
“My perspective on giving back is the same as letting someone in, in front of you, while driving,” he explains. “A little help goes a long way to allowing the world to function at a higher level and making someone else’s day a little brighter.
This kind of feeling is contagious and makes me feel that life is not just about dollars and cents, but purpose.”
As the president of Calgary Lighting Products, Latif is involved in other initiatives including the creation of a free recycling program for fluorescent tubes. He also volunteers with the Ismaili community where he is the vice principal
for the community’s religious education school.
“Don’t underestimate the effect of whatever level of help you are able to give. It will open and widen your perspective which gives you a broader base to act from,” says Latif explaining another upside of giving back. “I am much more likely to do business with and support companies who show social and environmental responsibility. For us, it is a competitive advantage.”
Ismailimail 