Linda and Mike Shaikh have donated one million dollars to the Calgary Public Library Foundation and are asking other Calgarians to step forward and contribute to the new Central Library’s fundraising goal.
“My wife, my family, and I are honoured to support the Calgary Central Library,” said Mike Shaikh. “My family and I believe that we must give back to the community we live in. We also believe that education is a fundamental ingredient for a successful and prosperous nation.”
The Shaikhs are the latest contributors to Add In, the campaign for Calgary’s Library, which, to date, has raised more than $8 million for the city’s community libraries.
“Libraries are great equalizers,” said Mike Shaikh. “They help their patrons learn new skills and ideas, find jobs, succeed in school, start a business, connect with internet, improve their English, prepare for citizenship and many, many more.”
During Saturday’s ceremony, the foundation announced the creation of the Shaikh Family Welcome Gallery in recognition of the donation.
“This library is such a milestone for our city,” said Linda Shaikh. “It is a positive space allowing us to meet and share our stories in thoughtful peace.”
The Calgary Central Library is scheduled to open in 2018 in the East Village.
