Hi, my name is Alana and I am fundraising on behalf of a dear friend/former colleague and his beautiful family.

(to protect their privacy and ensure their safety, I am not publishing names)

In Canada, through the Community/Group of Five sponsorship programs, we - "regular" citizens and people who care - can support refugees to settle in Canada. To qualify for the programs, we need to demonstrate an ability to support the settlement process, both financially and with our time, for at least one year. The financial commitment is often the greatest barrier. And so... this appeal for your kind support. Please help us meet the financial requirements, as defined by the program: https://www.rstp.ca/en/infosheet/sponsorship-cost-table-2/

We seek to support the resettlement of the parents and three school aged children (the two children in university plan to join the family at a later date).

A little about my friend and his family:

My friend and his family had to flee their home due to the unrest in Sudan. Their house was hit and severely destroyed by random shelling, their furniture and equipment were all looted and they had to flee their beloved country to find safety.

The couple have worked so hard to provide a bright future for their children by providing a good education and a supportive family environment. Three younger/school aged children still have dreams to become a Medical Doctor, a Pilot, and an Engineer. Two older children are in university (outside Sudan) studying Civil Engineering and Business Administration.

In his words, the father shared, "I'm not giving up, we will re-build but I am looking for a safe place to start again and shape the future of my children."

My friend has dedicated his career to helping people but now, he finds himself the one looking for help. He is an expert in building systems that have protected the lives of thousands of children and integrated them back into family environments.

My friend explains, "I completely know and understand what a family means for those who don't have a family or are homeless."

Funds raised will support the family in their first year settling in Canada (e.g. for housing, food, furniture, transportation, winter clothing, utilities, etc.).

If we are unsuccessful in qualifying for the program or if for any reason, settlement in Canada is not possible, the funds will be given to the family to support their rebuilding in another country or redirected to another family relocating to Canada (with the guidance and direction of my friend and his family) .