Hello, my name is John Lombard (I think most people reading this will know me), and I live in Langley, BC with my eight-year-old son.

Two months ago, I lost my job after my company was acquired and my role was made redundant. Since then, I have been doing everything I reasonably can to regain stable income. I’ve registered with WorkBC, placed my resume on all major job platforms, applied daily through LinkedIn, Indeed, and government listings, and actively reached out to companies — particularly Canadian-Chinese businesses where my 25 years living and working in China, Mandarin fluency, and cross-cultural business experience can provide real value. I have a few leads and some temporary contract work lined up, but none of it will produce income soon enough to meet immediate expenses.

Right now, I am facing urgent financial pressure:

Monthly rent: $2,100

Grocery bills: approximately $100/month

Car insurance and gas: $400/month

Essential bills: $500/month

My rent is due March 1 — only days away — and I also have an overdue car payment that risks repossession. At this moment, I have about five days of food left in the house and no financial cushion remaining.

My biggest concern is my son. He doesn’t know what’s happening — and I want to keep it that way. My goal is stability for him: a roof over his head, food on the table, and a sense that life is secure while I work through this difficult stretch.

This is the first time in my life I’ve had to ask for help like this. I’ve always worked, built businesses, coached others, and contributed to my community. I continue volunteering as Director of the Vancouver branch of the Centre for Inquiry Canada and serve on the Langley Riding Association for the BC Green Party — both unpaid roles that reflect my commitment to community and evidence-based decision making. These don’t interfere with my job search; they reflect who I am and how I try to contribute even during hardship.

A significant challenge is that although I’m Canadian, I spent 25 years living and working in China. That experience is extremely valuable for certain roles, but it also means I’m competing with candidates who have more recent Canadian experience. I am actively targeting roles where my background is an advantage, but that takes time.

I am seeking $4,000 to help bridge this immediate gap — primarily rent, groceries, transportation, and essential bills — while I secure stable income. This is not a long-term solution, just breathing room to keep things stable for my son and myself while the work I am doing begins to pay off.

If you are able to help financially, I am deeply grateful. If not, sharing this fundraiser with others would mean just as much.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and for any support you can offer.

— John