Zeeshan Hayat - A Philanthropist Committed to Meaningful Change

1. Zeeshan Hayat: A Philanthropist Committed to Meaningful Change True philanthropy goes beyond financial contributions—it’s about creating lasting impact, empowering communities, and driving meaningful change. Zeeshan Hayat embodies this philosophy through his relentless dedication to humanitarian efforts, social responsibility, and community-driven initiatives. As a successful entrepreneur, business leader, and philanthropist, Zeeshan has leveraged his resources and influence to uplift those in need, particularly through his initiatives in food security, healthcare, and mentorship. A Mission Rooted in Compassion Zeeshan’s philanthropic journey began with a deep sense of social responsibility, recognizing that true success is measured not just by personal achievements but by the positive impact one has on society. His commitment to giving back led to the founding of multiple initiatives aimed at addressing pressing social challenges. One of the most notable is the 100 Meals a Week program, launched in 2007 in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside—a neighborhood facing high rates of homelessness and food insecurity. Through this initiative, Zeeshan and his team began serving warm, nutritious meals to those in need, starting with just 100 meals per week. Over the years, the program has grown exponentially, providing over 250,000 meals and becoming a beacon of hope for many individuals struggling to access basic necessities. Scaling Impact: The Muslim Care Centre

2. Recognizing the growing need for structured community support, Zeeshan co-founded the Muslim Care Centre (MCC), an organization dedicated to serving vulnerable populations through meal distribution, addiction recovery support, and outreach programs. The MCC played a crucial role during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing over 600,000 meals at a time when many faced financial hardship and food insecurity. Under Zeeshan’s leadership, the MCC expanded its efforts beyond meal distribution, offering a safe space for individuals in need of guidance, mental health support, and rehabilitation services. His belief in providing holistic support rather than temporary relief has made the MCC a model for sustainable community assistance. Empowering the Next Generation Beyond humanitarian aid, Zeeshan is passionate about fostering the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs. He actively mentors MBA students at Simon Fraser University’s Beedie School of Business and participates in the Junior Achievement Be Entrepreneurial Program, guiding young minds toward innovative and socially conscious business solutions. For Zeeshan, mentorship is more than just professional guidance—it’s about instilling values of integrity, perseverance, and giving back. He understands that true change comes from empowering others to create their own paths and make a difference in their communities. A Vision for Sustainable Philanthropy What sets Zeeshan apart as a philanthropist is his focus on sustainability. Rather than short-term aid, he seeks to create systems that address the root causes of social issues. Whether through entrepreneurship, structured community programs, or education, his goal is to build long-term solutions that uplift entire communities. Through his work, Zeeshan Hayat has proven that business success and philanthropy can go hand in hand. His journey serves as an inspiration to those who aspire to create not only thriving businesses but also meaningful, lasting change in the world. His unwavering commitment to service, leadership, and social responsibility continues to make a profound impact, reminding us all that true success is defined by the lives we touch and the communities we uplift.