Gift of the Givers’ Ali Sablay Named Community Champion of the Year: A Legacy of Humanitarian Service

Ali Sablay, a project manager for Gift of the Givers, has been presented with the Community Champion of the Year award in recognition of his tireless dedication to humanitarian work. A Cape Town native, Sablay has spent 13 years with the organization, embodying the spirit of community service and the ethos of giving instilled in him from a young age by his parents.

Sablay was drawn to humanitarian work early on, inspired by the activities of Gift of the Givers, which he often witnessed on television and through media portrayals. The organization's response to the Pakistan earthquakes sparked Sablay's desire to contribute, leading him to collect donations with his friends and paving the path to his eventual role within the nonprofit.

Gift of the Givers is known for its impactful global humanitarian efforts, and Sablay has been a driving force in these initiatives. From distributing aid from a simple container before the organization had a physical building to working alongside its founder, Dr. Imtiaz Sooliman, Sablay's journey with the organization has been one of growth and passion.

Through the years, he has exemplified the notion that the work he does is a calling rather than a job, emphasizing the non-monetary rewards that come from serving others. His relentless drive to help communities in need has not gone unnoticed, as seen with the recent accolade bestowed upon him.

The Community Champion of the Year award does not only highlight Sablay's personal achievements but also shines a light on the collective efforts of the Gift of the Givers team. Sablay shares the honor with the entire crew, from warehouse cleaners to managers, packers to truck loaders. His dedication to the cause was further underscored by his tribute to his colleague, Dr. Ahmed Abbas, head of the organization's Gaza office, who was tragically killed in late 2021.

As Gift of the Givers continues its humanitarian mission, Sablay's story serves as an inspirational tale of selflessness and commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of others, ensuring that the legacy of community service lives on.