“Canadian Children Trapped in Egypt — Please Help Us Get Ho

My name is Shannon, and I am the mother of two girls: Ava (10) and Noor (8). What was meant to be a positive family experience has turned into a nightmare.

In 2022, I brought my daughters to Egypt so they could connect with their father’s family. Instead of being a positive experience, it has turned into a nightmare.

Mahmoud — their father — broke our binding legal agreement, trapped us here, and cut off all support. Since then, he has refused to lift the travel ban on my daughters. He told me outright this is because, in his words, I “ruined his life in Canada” — blaming me for the fact that his deception led to him being fired from the Toronto Police Department. This is punishment — not parenting.

I obtained a court order requiring him to pay support, but instead of paying, he is fighting it. This will drag on for months before it even reaches the Canadian courts. Meanwhile, my children and I are left with nothing.

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The truth of our situation

• Ava is on the autism spectrum, has a serious thyroid condition, and cannot tolerate the heat here.

• Noor is very sensitive to the heat and often becomes ill when exposed to it.

• I have exhausted every option with the Canadian Embassy. Their hands are tied under the Hague Convention, and I have been told there is nothing more they can do.

• We have no other support system here.

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What your help provides

I ask for nothing for myself. We do not shop, we do not spend on extras, and I go without. Every cent is for my girls — to keep them alive, safe, and stable until we can get home.

Your support will go toward:

• Medical care for Ava’s thyroid condition

• Transportation to embassies, lawyers, and courts for mandatory paperwork and legalization of documents

• Essentials like food and basic needs (Ava urgently needs new shoes)

• Internet access so I can stay connected with lawyers, embassies, and potential help

• Residence card fees required to stay legal in Egypt while we fight this case

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Why this matters

My daughters are already suffering enough. They deserve stability, education, and the chance to grow up in safety. I am doing everything in my power to protect them — but I cannot fight this battle alone anymore.

This is not a plea for luxury or comfort. This is survival. Every donation directly eases their suffering and helps us inch closer to finally returning home.

I want to be clear: this is not just about surviving day to day. My girls are trapped in Egypt because of this travel ban, but I will not stop fighting from here until their rights are secured.

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If you cannot donate, please share our story. The more people who know, the closer we get to freedom.

With gratitude and sincerity,

Shannon