30 - Sunday, August 18, 1991 - North Snore News HIGH PROFILES New president ready for the United Way challenge LAST YEAR, donations to the United Way of the Lower NEWS photo Stuart Davis WEST VANCOUVER’S Shamin Lalani was recently named president of the board of the United Way of the Lower Mainland. “‘it's a privilege,’’ Lalani says of her new position. When did you first encounter the United Way? ‘‘! was work- ing at BCFP. United Way had an extensive workplace cam- paign there. I was amazed at the level of involvement by the volunteers who ran these cam- paigns, their devotion.”’ Which North Shore organiza- tions benefit from the United Way? ‘“‘Some of the major agencies are the Association for the Physically Handicapped, the North Shore Crisis Services Society, the Family Services Society, Community Services and the North Shore Neigh- bourhood House.”’ How strong is competition for United Way funds? ‘Quite strong. A lot of charitable organizations have been severe- ly affected with the cuts in government funding coupled with privatization.’” Where will future needs be greatest? ‘‘We're secing a pro- liferation in food banks, an in- crease in sexual abuse, drug CAPILANO COLLEGE In her own words Office Technology Programs Career Training for administrative support personnel @ Secretarial-—9 months © Financial—10 months e Administrative Assistant—10 months Financial assistance may be available through Canada Employment Centre. 2055 Purcell Way « North Vancouver * B.C. © V7J 3H5 abuse and family violence — it’s all on the rise. There's a tremendous population growth going on in the Fraser Valley. and many of them are from different cultures. The United Way has to respond to these trends.” Apart from the obvious reasons, why should people give te the United Way? “We believe it's one-stop giving. Charitable organizations can rely on funding year after year. And because 98 cents out of every dollar raised goes straight to charitable organizations. As a donor, it only costs 2 cents to support our costs.”’ What other work are you in- volved in at the mement? ‘I'm writing and researching medi- cal-legal subjects like the rights of AIDS patients, invitro fertil- ization and recycled pace- makers. f was also instrumental in creating the manual for AIDS in the workplace, and have been involved with the Aga Khan Foundation.” Acquire communication, interpersonal and computer skills: word processing spread-sheets and database. OUR GRADUATES ARE IN DEMAND The Office Technology Program offers you: © Professional instructors © Well-equipped computer labs * Job placement ¢ Work practicums Some part-time courses are available. We have a place for you — but hurry! Telephone 984-4959 to arrange for a personal interview. * College Certificate assistance Mainland topped $16 million, previous vear. Canada-wide, the charitable organization raised an amazing $200 million -- but pledves as a percentage of pre-tax corporate profits have falien steadily since 1960. The — trend raises the question: Are we getting stingier? ““in Canada, we've said we'll jet government take care of things,” says Shamin Lalani, the newly appointed president of the board of the United Way of the Lower Mainland. ‘! think it’s also a function of periodic recessions. The irony, however, is at these times, the need is even greater."’ {t is during these recessionary times that Lalani, a Vancouver lawyer, will make her case for the United Way and its crucial role in Canadian society. Last year saw an increase in both individual and corporate donations to the United Way of the Lower Mainland, but a massive growth in population plus NUIF tAALILY AS ILLUSTRATED SN SI] 2< A member of DL /Ba? maZzDa 1700 Block arr Drive, a 10.5 per cent rise over the By Evelyn Jacob News Reporter shrinking government funds for non-profit groups have combined (oO put enormous strains on one of Canada’s most respected volun- teer-led charitable organizations. And Lalani expects this year to prove an even greaier challenge. Although it’s difficult to corm- pare Canadian philanthropic habits with their U.S. counter- parts, in general, says Lalani, Ca- nadians give less (The United Way cf America raised over $3 billion last year) In Canada, it’s the Mar- itime provinces who traditionally cough up the most — surprising for the most economi- cally-depressed region in the coun- For Lalani, who works in- dependently as a _ medical-legal Protege 1.8 tty, 16 volve engine with mottiport fuct powered ude marron. injection, o/s, o/b. off Tt -sfeenng, front season rodicl tires, 60/40 § disk brokin w/reor split fold down teor seat, § ABS, AM/FM consctte duol side mirrors. stereo WA SE 72:7 bie fuel injected engine, pis. pfb, pidoot louks, dual pewered ude murtos, olf season todrals 4wefindependent suspension, AM/IM cowselte steteo wi speakers NAME: Shamin Latani BORN: Nairobi, Kenya EDUCATION: University of Leeds; University College London OCCUPATION: Lawyer, 1991 president of the Board of the United Way of the Lower Mainland RESIDENCE: West Vancouver FAMILY: Married to Akbar researcher and writer, it means speaking louder and fighting harder. She was born in Nairobi and educated in England before mov- ing to Canada in 1974 with her cardiologist-husband Akbar Lalani. She has taught commercial and corporate law, worked as legal counsel for BCFP (now Fletcher Challenge) and ventured into everything from mining law to negotiating with Indian bands. Last year she was nominated for the YWCA’s Women of See Future page 34 Includes: 6 pack rr Che een Ushore Allo Fail EASING AVAILABLE AND BAN | : FINANCING OAC. BANK ae Nofthshore iL *PARTS *SALES Mon.-Thurs. | *SERVICE North Vancouver P.0.1. & FREIGHT $395. EACH *LEASING Sun. 987-4