I was tricked into leaving Canada to ‘help’ a loved one and ended up locked away for four months. My freedom, education, and stability were stolen. Now I’m home, but the financial and emotional cost is overwhelming and I need your help to gain my footing again.

My Story

For four long months, my freedom and safety were taken from me, and the implications on my future are dire. Last fall I was locked away in Dhaqan Celis, a so-called “rehabilitation” practice, after being tricked under the guise of helping a loved one. I thought I was travelling to assist in a family matter, but instead I was taken to a highly surveilled remote facility, my movements controlled, and my choices stripped away.

This wasn’t a trip, a retreat, or a voluntary stay. It was confinement. My life in Canada was put on pause without my consent; my education, my job, my home, and my financial stability all suffered as a result. While I was gone, bills piled up, my university program was put in jeopardy, and my community had to step in to cover emergency costs to help me once I finally escaped and returned home.

I am now safe, but the aftermath is overwhelming. I still face the debt, the instability, and the emotional impact of being detained against my will. With one year of university left, I am determined to get my life back on track but I can’t do it alone.

Why I’m Asking for Help

When I was taken, I lost not just my freedom but also my financial footing. Every month I was gone meant missed rent, mounting credit card interest, and lost time in my studies. Returning home, I had significant expenses waiting for me. My mental and physical health also took a toll, requiring ongoing support.

This fundraiser will help me cover urgent needs. Your generous support will be insurmountably appreciated; it will prevent me from having to battle food insecurity, housing instability and barriers to mental health support, allowing me to heal from the trauma I experienced. Donations will help me make sure I can finish my degree and repay those who stepped up for me when I couldn’t help myself.

How the Funds Will Be Used

1. Missed Rent & Housing Costs:

Months of unpaid rent left me in debt, and now I need to repay it so I can focus on school and work without risking homelessness.

2. University & Future Schooling Tuition:

I have one year left to finish my degree, but tuition fees are due soon. I also want to keep the door open for future education to rebuild the career path I nearly lost.

3. Healthcare & Self-Help Costs:

After what I went through, therapy and health care are essential for recovery. This includes counselling, medical appointments, and other resources to help me heal and regain my independence.

Power of Community

Escaping was not easy. I had to fight for my freedom every step of the way, and I wouldn’t have made it home without the incredible support of people who cared enough to take risks on my behalf. I owe them not only my thanks but also the ability to reimburse the costs they took on to help me.

This experience was deeply traumatic, but I’m choosing to move forward with hope. I want to rebuild my life with dignity, stability, and purpose and I am asking you to be a part of that journey.

Every Bit Helps Thank You So Much

Your donation, no matter the size, will directly help me recover from this ordeal, finish my education, and lead a stable life. If you can’t give, please share this fundraiser with your network. Every share helps bring my story to people who might be able to help.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story, for believing in my future, and for standing with me in this difficult chapter of my life.