Partnering with Communities. Empowering Older Adults. Shaping the Future of Ageing.
A Legacy of Community-Driven Change
Across Canada and around the world, older adults are leading, contributing, and inspiring change in their communities. HelpAge Canada works alongside them, amplifying their voices and investing in their well-being.
Founded in 1975, HelpAge Canada is the only Canadian registered charity and international NGO dedicated to partnering with community organizations and the older people they serve to improve ageing equity and well-being. Our work is grounded in trust, respect, and the belief that older people must be active participants in shaping the communities, programs, systems, and policies that affect their lives.
Our Role Today: Backbone & Bridge
Today, we serve as both a backbone organization connecting and supporting community-based service providers, and a bridge linking grassroots realities to broader systems change.
This two-tier approach strengthens local action and aligns it with broader change. It ensures that the voices of older people and their communities influence decisions, policies, and resources that affect their lives.
Key Strengths: CONVENING, COLLABORATING, INFLUENCING, AMPLIFYING
Our work includes sharing knowledge, strengthening capacity, and shifting systems, all rooted in the wisdom and leadership of older people and the community organizations that support them.
Our Reach
Globally, we partner with HelpAge International and Global Affairs Canada to support older people through networks and local teams. We deliver life-saving aid during international crises and support long-term community development through partnerships rooted in human rights, community care, and local leadership. Our flagship global program, GrandConnect, links Canadian donors with local communities around the world to provide sustained care, connection, and support for older people most at risk.
Our Path Ahead: Strategic Priorities
We’ve laid out a bold, community-powered roadmap to expand equity and well-being for older adults across Canada and globally.
Top priorities:
Advance & Amplify the Impact of the CBSS Sector Across Canada
Bolster the Reach & Impact of our Global Work
Strengthen Awareness and Public Trust
With growing geopolitical uncertainty, economic pressures, and social inequities disproportionately affecting older populations, we must act boldly and collectively to ensure that ageing well is recognized as a priority human rights issue.
— Kahir Lalji, CEO HelpAge Canada
Our Partners & Platforms
Partnership and collaboration give tremendous reach and depth to our work.
We are proud to work alongside ILC Canada to advocate for the rights of older people in global forums like the United Nations. Strategic partnerships with HelpAge International, Global Affairs Canada, and other aligned organizations amplify local efforts and drive forward global action on ageing.
Every day, we collaborate with community organizations, academic institutions, civil society, and government to strengthen ageing supports and social infrastructure.
Expanding Healthy Ageing CORE Canada
In 2025, HelpAge Canada became the steward of CORE Canada – a digital hub and knowledge-sharing platform for people working and volunteering in community-based seniors’ services. CORE Canada connects local champions across the country to share innovations, research, funding opportunities, and events that strengthen community ageing supports.
Meet the Team
Kahir Lalji
Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Raza Mirza
Chief Operating Officer
Raza is an award-winning gerontologist, professor at the University of Toronto, and systems thinker with a background in policy, program evaluation, and intergenerational engagement. He leads operational strategy, knowledge mobilization, and cross-sectoral collaboration.
Zannat Reza
Chief Impact Officer
Zannat is a strategist from the health and ageing space, leading positive social change through innovation, collaboration, and storytelling. At HelpAge Canada Zannat designs creative strategies to advance outreach and engagement, government relations, strategic partnerships, and brand development.
Shelina Gwaduri-Dilgir
Chief Development Officer
Shelina has spent her career building sustainable donor relationships, leading fundraising strategies, and advancing mission-aligned revenue growth. She leads all philanthropic engagement and sponsorship development at HelpAge Canada.
Financial Trust and Transparency
We value and earn your trust. Almost 80 cents of every donated dollar goes directly to our programs. The remainder helps us grow an efficient, effective, and sustainable organization ready to serve where the need is greatest.
Support Us
Your generosity helps us go further, faster. Whether you’re making a one-time gift or becoming a monthly donor, your support fuels vital programs that transform lives today and make a lasting impact.
Are you a business, foundation, or government agency looking to collaborate?