Naguib Damji’s Family Asks That Donations In Their Dad’s Memory Go To Aga Khan Foundation!
VANCOUVER — The family of a Vancouver-area Ismaili businessman killed during a terrorist attack on a Nairobi shopping mall are asking mourners to make donations to the Aga Khan Foundation, his favourite charity.
Naguib Damji was one of two Canadians killed when armed members of the Somali militant group al-Shabab stormed the Westgate mall on Saturday.
Hundreds of messages have been posted on social media sites for his three daughters and his wife, as friends and family remembered a man described as a kind person who was very close to his daughters.
The attack has left at least 68 dead, including Damji and another Canadian, and injured 175 others. The body count is expected to increase as authorities make their way through the burned-out wreckage.
Annemarie Desloges, a border services liaison officer in Canada’s High Commission to Kenya, was also killed in the attack.
The non-denominational Aga Khan Foundation is dedicated to improving living conditions and opportunities in poor and marginalized communities in Asia and Africa.
The family has been told there will be an autopsy performed on the body Monday to determine cause of death.
Damji’s family was initially told he died of a heart attack, but that hasn’t been confirmed.
A cousin of Damji’s was reportedly with him at the time of the shooting, which is related to conflict between Islamic militants and the Kenyan military.
A Facebook post by a woman identified as Damji’s daughter shows a picture of the man standing in front of a lush green backdrop and has attracted many heartfelt comments.
“I can’t even imagine what you are going through….stay strong xxoo,” one wrote.
Another described Damji as “an awesome person, so full of life [and] so kind.”
