Local couple awarded for philanthropy, leadership in Ismaili Muslim

Local couple awarded for philanthropy, leadership in Ismaili Muslim
community
For immediate release
Toronto, April 21 2015
Today the Ontario Gerontology Association announces that the 2015 Positive Aging Award will be
presented to Mr. Pyarali and Mrs. Gulshan Nanji.
Pyarali and Gulshan Nanji were two of the thousands who were exiled from Uganda in 1972 because of
their Indian heritage, and among the scores who found refuge in Canada. “Canada took care of my kids
who came first, followed by my wife. The government gave them food and shelter,” says Nanji.
CEO of Markham-based Belle-Pak Packaging Inc., Nanji, has achieved the business success that has made
their philanthropy possible. His business was recognized in 2007 as one the Canada’s Top 50 Best
Managed Companies. Today, they are among the most prominent immigrant philanthropists in the
country.
In 2014 Nanji was recognized as RBC’s top 25 Canadian Immigrants. North York General Hospital and
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Aga Khan University and Hospital, Homewood Health Centre and St.
Mary’s Hospital, among others, are beneficiaries of his benevolence. He donates millions of his selfmade fortune to give back to their community, and encourages younger generations to consider how
philanthropy fits into their future.
“My wife and I pledged if ever we became successful we will give back to the country as much as we
can.”
Since the Positive Aging Award was established in 2011, recipients have included recently retired
Mississauga Mayor Hazel McCallion, former city of Toronto Mayor David Crombie; Bea Levis, a longtime
advocate of the aged; and The Honourable Robert (Bob) Rae.
- 30 About the Ontario Gerontology Association
The Ontario Gerontology Association brings together a broad network of researchers, practitioners,
educators, caregivers, policymakers, and the diverse community of older adults; to showcase
innovation, to influence public policy, and to change attitudes about aging across Ontario and beyond.
For more information
Lisa Hartford, ABC
lisa@ontariogerontology.ca