Our History

Unique Image has annually endowed more than 20% of its revenue to U.S.-based charities and Middle Eastern/North African/Mediterranean communities and children's organizations. Kanan launched the company in 1997, six years after emigrating to the U.S. from Lebanon.

Through its U&I Vision Program, Unique Image Inc.'s work includes the support of more than 100 organizations that focus on youth, including Pacific Lodge Boys Home, American Heart Association, Five Acres, Westside Food Bank, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, National Arab American Medical Association, CHF International and many others. Kanan now channels her philanthropic drive into the ALO Foundation.

Kanan came of age during the violent aftermath of Lebanon's civil war, amid gunfire, bombings and death. Renewed conflict in Lebanon in 2006 moved her to expand charitable works in the region. As a war survivor, and knowing the great needs children and women in Lebanon would now face, she became their tireless fundraiser and advocate in the United States and abroad, raising over $500,000 in 2006 and 2007.

While distributing hearing aids in Beirut, she met Hussein Balhas, a bright, spirited child who dreamt of a better future despite suffering from Fraser Syndrome, a rare disease resulting in tumors and mutations. After a year of planning, Kanan brought Hussein to Los Angeles to meet with specialists. After many surgeries at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, funded by Children International Surgeries funds managed by Mending Kids International, Hussein returned to Lebanon and is under consideration to be enrolled at one of the country’s top elementary schools.

Others have been greatly impacted by Kanan's generous spirit, including Joey Wells, 21 who has been living with Myotubular Myopathy, a type of neuromuscular disease, since he was eight months old. His dream was to publish his book of poems and establish a career to help his mother. With the Foundation’s help, and Unique Image, Inc. assuming the role of publisher, Joey realized that dream and has become a role model for others.

Hussein and Joey became the first recipients of the Foundation's Forever Wish program, which helps underserved youth and the physically challenged realize their dreams. We provide career opportunities to boost entrepreneurial spirits and when possible, life saving medical care.

The Foundation continues Kanan's work of sending delegations to key Middle Eastern and North African countries (Lebanon, Egypt, Syria, Jordan, UAE and Oman) to enhance international relations. These delegations travel with a mission to expand the range and scope of their understanding of the region and its people, and to pioneer a spirit of global humanitarianism. The expeditions have included several groundbreaking delegations, empowering trade relations exchange between Los Angeles and Middle Eastern regions.

Besides children, the Foundation is especially keyed to the empowerment of women in the Middle East, North Africa and Mediterranean through schooling, scholarship programs, literary and social outreach. The ALO Foundation encourages sustainable living through entrepreneurial development, craftswomen initiatives, housing development and workshops.

Amongst different partnerships with entities and organizations in the Middle East, the Foundation is partnering with Wild Jordan, which develops viable nature-based businesses within Jordan’s nature preserves. These programs bring tangible economic and social benefits to local communities. Thriving eco-tourism and handicraft enterprises have been established, bringing economic independence to hundreds of women.