The Manji family’s generous gift is a celebration of Amir’s legacy and a testament to the quality cancer care he received
By: Déjà Leonard, written in collaboration with the Manji family
Amir Manji cherished walks in the coulees behind his Lethbridge home, finding solace in the fresh air and exercise. During his time at Lethbridge’s Jack Ady Cancer Centre, Amir, eager for moments outside his hospital room, would join his family in the centre’s lobby for a change of scenery.
A particularly special memory was when the family took him to a rooftop space, where he got some much-needed fresh air. Through this experience, the family was inspired to fund an outdoor space that patients could enjoy during their time at the Jack Ady, prompting the idea of a healing garden.
This garden is now open and will be named the Amir and Saker Manji Healing Gardens this spring.
But Amir’s journey with stage 4 metastatic prostate cancer ended on May 11, 2018.
“That experience was very devastating for me. It was very shocking and unexpected, and, as a wife and a mother, it was very hard for me to digest,” says Amir’s wife of 44 years, Saker, of her husband’s diagnosis and passing.
Eager to give back to the Jack Ady in Amir’s memory, the Manji family made a generous $500,000 gift in December 2023, which will be disbursed over five years.
Amir’s legacy
Photograph courtesy of the Manji family.
Amir Manji’s remarkable journey began in 1971 when he immigrated to Canada from Tanzania. His path led him to Vancouver, where he met and married Saker. In 1979, Amir and Saker ventured to Alberta, where they laid the foundation for Coaldale Eggs. This venture swiftly evolved into the province’s second-largest egg-grading operation.
In 1992, the Manji family established The Manji Group Ltd. This enterprise included a diverse portfolio of hotels, apartment buildings and commercial real estate in Lethbridge. Amir emerged not only as an esteemed businessman, but also as a respected elder within the Ismaili Muslim community.
Amir, alongside Saker, played a pivotal role in building the first mosque for their religious community in the Lethbridge area. For more than 40 years, Amir led religious services, acting as a mentor to countless individuals. His legacy is woven into the fabric of the community, marked by a dedication to fostering connections, promoting philanthropy, and shaping the growth and vibrancy of Lethbridge.
Beyond his business acumen, Amir’s compassionate leadership and dedication to giving back left an indelible mark on those he touched. His legacy resonates not only through the businesses he established, but also through the bonds he forged and the cultural and religious institutions he helped build. Amir’s life was a testament to the belief that success is measured not only in financial achievements, but in the positive impact one leaves on the lives of others.
The desire to give back
Connections made with hospital staff and the quality of Amir’s treatment fuelled the family’s desire to give back. Saker also felt a deep desire to contribute to her city. The family’s $500,000 donation will provide the Jack Ady with new equipment, professional development for oncologists and various patient-care programs.
“I think that Lethbridge is a very strong, values-based community … all of this treatment here will be very important, helping everyone get good treatment [in Lethbridge],” says Saker. The family hopes their gift enhances early testing and quick access to treatment, supporting oncologists and others on their cancer journeys.
“The work, compassion and effort that these [health-care] professionals put into their jobs is another reason we chose to give back. We want to support them in their incredible work,” says Nimisha, one of Amir’s daughters. “My mom often expressed just how grateful she was for the amazing oncologists, radiologists and nurses. Compassion and care at the Jack Ady Cancer Centre made a world of difference. It was invaluable and meaningful to us.”
Saker adds, “I want to thank the Alberta Cancer Foundation and the cancer centre here in Lethbridge for all their love and care and how well they looked after us. I never imagined this love and care would come from people I have never met. I am very grateful for that.”
