2026 Bowl of Hygeia Award Profile: Amyn Kanjee
The Bowl of Hygeia Award honours a pharmacist who has demonstrated an outstanding and sustained record of community service that extends beyond professional responsibilities and reflects positively on the profession of pharmacy. Amyn Kanjee exemplifies the spirit of this award through decades of meaningful volunteer service, compassionate leadership, and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of others.
Throughout his career, Amyn has viewed service as a responsibility rather than an obligation. While he has practiced pharmacy for more than 27 years, his contributions to the community extend far beyond his role as a healthcare professional. His volunteerism is characterized by long-term commitment, leadership, and a willingness to serve in challenging and often unseen roles that support individuals and families during critical moments in their lives.
Amyn has dedicated thousands of volunteer hours to his faith-based community over the past 10 to 15 years. He currently serves as Board Chair of the Religious Education Board with the Ismaili Muslim Community in Calgary, where he leads a team of more than 100 volunteers delivering religious education programs to youth and adults. This role requires extensive planning, mentorship, and oversight, as well as a significant personal time commitment of more than 50 hours per month. Through this work, Amyn has played a central role in fostering education, ethical development, and community connection across multiple generations.
Prior to his current position, Amyn served for four years in a pastoral care leadership role, providing daily support, guidance, and comfort to community members. This work included visiting individuals and families during times of illness, loss, and personal hardship, as well as performing religious rites and rituals. Over this period, Amyn contributed more than 3,000 hours of volunteer service, often making himself available at all hours to ensure families felt supported during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. His calm presence, empathy, and reliability made him a trusted source of strength within the community.
In addition to these leadership roles, Amyn has consistently volunteered in practical, hands-on capacities. He has served on community catering committees responsible for preparing and coordinating communal meals, as well as on funeral committees that support families with arrangements, logistics, and meal delivery. These roles often require immediate availability and careful coordination, underscoring Amyn’s readiness to step forward whenever help is needed, regardless of recognition or convenience.
Amyn’s commitment to service extends beyond his faith community into the broader Calgary community. Alongside his family, he has been actively involved in fundraising efforts for the Alberta Children’s Hospital through the Sunshine Gala. These efforts contributed to the purchase of a lifesaving medical device that continues to benefit children and families across Alberta, demonstrating Amyn’s belief in service that creates lasting community impact.
While the Bowl of Hygeia Award recognizes service beyond professional identity, Amyn’s volunteerism is further complemented by his commitment to giving back to the profession of pharmacy. He previously served as a Board Member of the Alberta Pharmacists’ Association, the Canadian Pharmacists Association, and a Council Member of the Alberta College of Pharmacy, contributing to governance, advocacy, and the advancement of pharmacy practice. Through these roles, Amyn supported colleagues and the profession while upholding the values of service, integrity, and leadership.
Amyn Kanjee’s lifelong dedication to volunteerism, leadership, and compassionate service exemplifies the values of the Bowl of Hygeia Award. His sustained and selfless contributions have positively impacted countless individuals and families and serve as a powerful reflection of the ideals and integrity of the pharmacy profession.