Build a new life in Canada

In August, when Afghanistan fell to the Taliban, many Canadians viewed it with the same distant compassion with which they view most disasters that happen somewhere vaguely “over there.”

For some Canadians, however, the fall of Afghanistan was a very personal tragedy. Our long and complicated history with that nation had allowed thousands of us to build close and deep relationships with Afghans, as colleagues, interpreters and friends. And as the Taliban swept back into power, those very ties often marked these Afghans for death.

Three of those Afghans were Asghar and Zahra, husband and wife, and their new son, Farhan.

In a jaw-dropping account, journalist Shannon Gormley shared with Canadians the story  of her friendship with Asghar. She recounted how he and Zahra met and fell in love. How they dedicated  themselves to teaching Afghan women and children about their rights, at great risk to their own lives. And how, when the Taliban marched  into Kabul, they chose to make the ultimate sacrifice to save their baby — passing him to some American soldiers manning the airport wall, as captured in the video seen around the world, not knowing if they would ever see him again. Miraculously, after days of terror and agonizing delays, the family escaped to Canada, together.

They have given up nearly everything for their values and for their child: everything except their indomitable spirit. They have given so much: let's give back, by helping this courageous family build a new life in Canada.

Please make whatever contribution you can. There wasn’t much most of us could do in August to help Afghans as their world ended. But we can help this family put down roots in their adopted country, and give little Farhan the start in life he needs. We're so lucky to have them here. Let's show them we know it.

— Matt Gurney