Alim’s Story:
How does your lived experience shape your connection to Ever Active’s cause?
Volunteering and supporting my community are deeply rooted in my upbringing, family values, and faith. My grandfather and family were pivotal in shaping how I view giving back, instilling in me the belief that when you offer your time and effort to others, you never return empty-handed. Instead, you gain invaluable experiences, forge meaningful friendships, create lasting memories, and build new skills; you always receive far more than you give.
I first started by coaching, which allowed me to support others’ growth while learning essential life skills myself. As I progressed through university, I became more formally engaged in volunteering and community service through Ismaili community initiatives like the Aga Khan Foundation’s World Partnership Walk, Ismaili CIVIC days, and the Ismaili Canada Breakfast.
After graduating, I felt called to expand my efforts internationally, embarking on a journey to East Africa to work with NGOs focused on education and health promotion. This experience helped me connect with the roots of my parents’ and grandparents’ sense of service, broadening my perspective and deepening my commitment to addressing health disparities through prevention. Beyond everything I learned that journey fundamentally shaped my career path and future aspirations.
At the same time, growing up with sports at the center of my life did far more than provide an outlet for physical activity and fun; it molded who I am today. As a natural introvert, joining school teams and activities gently pushed me out of my comfort zone, opening the door to lifelong friendships and teaching me to connect with others confidently. Beyond winning and losing, sports taught me how to lead both vocally and by example, instilling accountability, resilience, and the ability to guide a team toward a shared goal.
Now, as an uncle to eight wonderful nieces and two nephews, that lifelong journey has turned into a deeply personal mission. Knowing that physical activity rates among youth, and especially girls, drop dramatically as they grow older, I am fiercely passionate about breaking down those barriers. This is why the work of Ever Active resonates so strongly with me. By creating inclusive, supportive spaces and promoting physical literacy, they ensure that all young people, especially young girls, have equitable opportunities to move, build confidence, and belong. Volunteering has become an integral part of who I am, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve on the Ever Active Board and make a meaningful difference in our community.
What is a project or moment you’re especially proud of since joining the board?
Volunteering at the 2022 Alberta School Athletics Association (ASAA) Cross Country Running Provincial Championships hosted by Enoch Cree Nation (maskêkosihk) remains one of my most profoundly impactful experiences.
Being part of this milestone event, marking only the second time in ASAA history that a First Nation community served as host. This event was genuinely special. The championship took place on Enoch Cree Nation’s Cultural Grounds, a site deeply rooted in tradition through its history of pow wows and sweat lodge ceremonies. Though the space had not hosted a large-scale gathering in sometime, seeing it revitalize with the energy and excitement of young athletes was extraordinarily moving. We heard Elders reflected that the vibrant spirit of the races brought a renewed life and positive energy back to the land, underscoring the deep significance of the event for the community.
On race day, my volunteer role put me right at the heart of the action. Hearing young runners explain how the beat of the cultural drums and drum circle energized them as they neared the finish line filled me with immense fulfillment. Witnessing such a meaningful occasion is a memory I will cherish for the rest of my life, as it reaffirmed my belief in the power of community involvement to make a tangible difference. It remains one of the greatest gift my time with Ever Active has provided, serving as a lasting reminder of the importance of embracing diversity and inspiring my ongoing commitment to honoring and learning about Indigenous cultures in the areas where I live, work and play.
