Family of 10 in need
Donation protected
EVERY DOLLAR COUNTS! As I stress about what to get people who have “everything” for Christmas, this family needs ANYTHING...
The night before last we posted an ad on kijiji to give away our hide-a-bed for free. A man responded and came as soon as he could after finding someone to help transport it back to his home. It took him about 40 minutes to drive from Forest Lawn. He was extremely friendly, well-dressed and had nothing but smiles, handshakes and gratitude. He sent a text message about an hour later saying how excited his children were, how eternally grateful he is for our kindness. I responded and said we are just happy it went to a family who can appreciate it.
Something told me they were going through some hard times. I politely mentioned if there was anything else he needed, I would do my best to help him and his family. The conversation continued and he told me he has been looking for employment. He attended U of C and has a degree in Law and Society with a minor in Political Sciences, but willing to do absolutely anything to help his family. I assumed he had 2-3 children. When I asked the age of his children he stated he has EIGHT children from age 2-19! He said they moved back to South Sudan after completing his degree, worked for a few years but brought his family back suddenly this year due to insecurities in his home country. I didn’t ask details. I did ask if they had enough blankets, bed sheets, clothing, kitchen items, drink ware... he said no. The hide-a-bed we wanted out of our house because it took up space and wasn’t comfortable is now a permanent bed for his children.
I want to help this family for many reasons. Prior to me even knowing more about this man and his situation, I was raving about how polite, professional and gracious he was. We thought he was doing something for a friend and didn’t think he was struggling at all. Not once did he ask for anything more. I was the one asking all of the questions to find out what I could do or what they needed.
As it turns out, he has severe health issues and hasn’t been able to work. Four of his children do not get to sleep on beds. They have a very empty kitchen and very little clothing for the children. The government assistance how now expired, with rent and Christmas expenses ahead.
If you know me, you know I rarely ask for things. I’m a giver, not a receiver and when I suffer - it’s not publicly. When it comes to something like this, I feel compelled to share it. If for some reason you are in the Calgary area and wish to help, or have household/clothing items to spare, please contact me. We would like to transport some things over there in the next week or so. It’s a very direct way of donating things you would already be tossing or taking to the nearest Value Village. Additionally, I’d like to put together a Christmas basket(s) shoebox style with unused sanitary items, and perhaps something a little more exciting for the children. I know it’s a busy and tough time of year for many. Anything helps - if you don’t have anything but wish to assist, the donations through this site will be put towards grocery/clothing gift cards and Christmas gifts for the 8 children. Near or far, if you are willing to help I’ll work with you, however you feel comfortable.
Family of 10
Husband/Wife- Size L-XL
Age of Boys - 2,5,17,18 Older children: Waist 32-34, Size medium shirts
Age of Girls- 9,11,13,16 Size small, xs, medium clothing
Thank you for reading, and thank you so much in advance for anything you can do to help:) I do have photos of the family, and I chose not to post them because this is a surprise, "Secret Santa" mission. I can send them to you privately if you wish to see.
The night before last we posted an ad on kijiji to give away our hide-a-bed for free. A man responded and came as soon as he could after finding someone to help transport it back to his home. It took him about 40 minutes to drive from Forest Lawn. He was extremely friendly, well-dressed and had nothing but smiles, handshakes and gratitude. He sent a text message about an hour later saying how excited his children were, how eternally grateful he is for our kindness. I responded and said we are just happy it went to a family who can appreciate it.
Something told me they were going through some hard times. I politely mentioned if there was anything else he needed, I would do my best to help him and his family. The conversation continued and he told me he has been looking for employment. He attended U of C and has a degree in Law and Society with a minor in Political Sciences, but willing to do absolutely anything to help his family. I assumed he had 2-3 children. When I asked the age of his children he stated he has EIGHT children from age 2-19! He said they moved back to South Sudan after completing his degree, worked for a few years but brought his family back suddenly this year due to insecurities in his home country. I didn’t ask details. I did ask if they had enough blankets, bed sheets, clothing, kitchen items, drink ware... he said no. The hide-a-bed we wanted out of our house because it took up space and wasn’t comfortable is now a permanent bed for his children.
I want to help this family for many reasons. Prior to me even knowing more about this man and his situation, I was raving about how polite, professional and gracious he was. We thought he was doing something for a friend and didn’t think he was struggling at all. Not once did he ask for anything more. I was the one asking all of the questions to find out what I could do or what they needed.
As it turns out, he has severe health issues and hasn’t been able to work. Four of his children do not get to sleep on beds. They have a very empty kitchen and very little clothing for the children. The government assistance how now expired, with rent and Christmas expenses ahead.
If you know me, you know I rarely ask for things. I’m a giver, not a receiver and when I suffer - it’s not publicly. When it comes to something like this, I feel compelled to share it. If for some reason you are in the Calgary area and wish to help, or have household/clothing items to spare, please contact me. We would like to transport some things over there in the next week or so. It’s a very direct way of donating things you would already be tossing or taking to the nearest Value Village. Additionally, I’d like to put together a Christmas basket(s) shoebox style with unused sanitary items, and perhaps something a little more exciting for the children. I know it’s a busy and tough time of year for many. Anything helps - if you don’t have anything but wish to assist, the donations through this site will be put towards grocery/clothing gift cards and Christmas gifts for the 8 children. Near or far, if you are willing to help I’ll work with you, however you feel comfortable.
Family of 10
Husband/Wife- Size L-XL
Age of Boys - 2,5,17,18 Older children: Waist 32-34, Size medium shirts
Age of Girls- 9,11,13,16 Size small, xs, medium clothing
Thank you for reading, and thank you so much in advance for anything you can do to help:) I do have photos of the family, and I chose not to post them because this is a surprise, "Secret Santa" mission. I can send them to you privately if you wish to see.
Organizer
Ashley Toye
Organizer
Calgary, AB
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