In September 2017, Ahmad El Akdy, his wife Halima Bakfouli and their 4 sons (ages 14, 10, 8 and 6) came to Canada from a refugee camp in Lebanon, where they had fled from their war-torn village in Syria. They had been through unimaginable trauma after witnessing violence, losing family members and losing their home. They were looking for a better and safer life when they were sponsored to come to Canada. Since their arrival they have worked hard to making Edmonton their home. The boys love their school, and the parents are determined to become contributing members of Canadian society. The whole family have been learning English and establishing independence through ownership of a family business selling fresh produce. Ahmad and Halima continue to be extremely grateful to be part of the Edmonton community and Canada as a country, which has given them the opportunity to start a new life with bright futures.

On Friday August 21st, 2020, Ahmad El Akdy’s plans for independence were drastically changed. While  driving home from Medicine Hat after picking up a load of fresh fruits and vegetables to deliver back to his business, “Veggie Palace”, in Edmonton, Ahmad was involved in a serious car accident. He was airlifted to Calgary Foothills Hospital where he underwent extensive surgery. Sadly, he had sustained a C7 Complete Spinal Cord Injury. Ahmad was later transferred by air ambulance to the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton, where he spent the next two months in the ICU. During that difficult time he required a breathing tube, was unable to speak, and due to Covid19 restrictions, was unable to have visitors. Recently, Ahmed has been transferred to the Glenrose Hospital where he continues to receive treatment and rehabilitation related to his spinal cord injury.  He has been informed that he will likely never walk again and will require lifelong assistance with mobility such as a wheelchair.



Ahmad is known by all as a strong, independent worker, and a loving father and husband. It was his independent spirit that motivated him to start a business, and to provide for his family, who are all excited and eager to become citizens of Canada.  The Veggie Palace was officially launched in the Glengarry community of Edmonton in June, 2020 selling quality fresh fruits and vegetables at a fair price.

CBC article on Veggie Palace Grand Opening 

Business was booming, with many customers, and the whole family were so proud of getting it off the ground when tragedy happened.  This accident has been a heartbreaking setback for the whole family. Halima is  working extremely hard at keeping the shop running, overseeing the children’s educational and household needs, supporting Ahmad with daily hospital visits, and working nights doing cleaning/maintenance in a nearby shopping mall along with their eldest (now)16-year-old son.

The family faces a long road ahead in supporting Ahmad, both physically and emotionally, in his rehabilitation as they attempt to move forward as self-supporting citizens.




Our goal is to assist Ahmad and his family through his recovery and rehabilitation first by preparing for a good transition from hospital to home, then to assist with unmet needs to support his future success.

There have been and will continue to be many unanticipated setbacks for the family including costs to their business, loss of the business truck, the need to renovation to their home to make it wheelchair accessible or maybe to relocate; modifications to their vehicle for accessibility and many medical supplies and aids to daily living.  Modifications are also needed to the family business, the “Veggie Palace”, if Ahmad and family are to continue to support themselves. It would be wonderful to have an accessible building, with ramps and wide doors, welcoming to all with mobility issues.




The motivation for this GoFundMe initiative is to support Ahmad’s recovery and his eventual return to independence by assisting with expenses, adjustments, and rehabilitation in the months ahead. Any amount of monetary donation would be greatly appreciated. The funds raised will directly support Ahmad's transition as he adapts and adjusts to this new reality. All of the funds raised will contribute to achieving full independence and participation in the community and in Edmonton, home of this family of six.




The team members organizing this fundraiser include people who know and love the family including the original sponsors for the El-Akdy -Bakfouli family, teachers from the children’s school, and community members.