It is our pleasure to welcome Alykhan (Al) Bhanji to the Astonished! Board of Directors, effective June 1, 2016.
Al Bhanji is a 4th year Bachelor of Economics student at the University of Regina and he hopes to pursue his Masters in the same field in the same institution after he graduates next year. He has been volunteering consistently with Astonished! and hopes to continue to do so for many more years to come.
He is also an executive member (budget & planning) of the Best Buddies University of Regina Chapter (2016-2017). Al also volunteers as a facilitator with the Next Chapter Book Club (Inclusion Regina).
His passion and inspiration for volunteering in inclusive programs can be accredited and attributed to his father, Karim who encouraged Al from a very young age to engage and volunteer in programs that promote inclusion and foster care for all individuals from all walks of life.
Ever since learning about his grandfather’s partial paralysis which led to his untimely departure, Al has always had an endearing attitude and progressive mindset towards individuals and programs that comprise of an inclusive environment.
When not volunteering or at school, Al enjoys watching and playing tennis. His favorite player on tour being Stan “The Man” Wawrinka. Al is also a proud business owner. His company, West Star Agricultural Ltd owns farmland all across Saskatchewan that has been leased to local farmers. He purchased his first quarter section of land when he was 19 years old. Al hopes to one day apply his experiences and teachings from Astonished! to enhance the spirit of inclusion in Kenya, where he was born.
Photo: Pagan Racette, Al Bhanji, Paige Racette