He survived. Now he needs help.

Hello!

My name is Shanine. I am reaching out for some extra support for my brother (Yness) and his family.

The Story

Some of you know my brother (Yvan) and I left town abruptly and traveled to Manitoba in late January of this year.

Our youngest brother attempted suicide and we went out to offer love and support to him and his family. In this process, we realized the scope of support needed. Once Yness was released from the crisis center we put the family on a plane to the west coast. His support network is us and we cannot be in Manitoba.

The Backstory

Yness has succesfully supported his family driving truck for years. A home owner, father, husband, zoo keeper (so many animals!) and volunteer firefighter he created a full and thriving life. In the last few years he has struggled with health setbacks that required surgeries. Last summer he lived through the fear of losing his legs. He managed to recover and get back to work, but these intense experiences took their toll on his mental health. Unfortunately, even with counseling, going back to his isolated job led to further decline.

The Future Story

Since arriving in Vancouver, this wonderful family of 3 has been sharing a room in Yvan's basement. Yness and his wife (Sandra) have been making arrangements to sell their rural home from a distance and their son is enrolled in school.

As they wait on the sale of the house, Yness is working steadily on his mental health and Sandra is sorting her paperwork for employment in BC. Yness is on temporary disability but cannot go back to the same employment as it was a catalyst to this mental health crisis. He is pursuing opportunities at a relevant pace.

That being said, as they are navigating these unfamiliar waters, I am asking friends, family and all those who know and love these amazing people to please consider a donation. They are in need of their own home and interim help as they carve out their new lives.

Funds donated will go to their relocation from my brother's basement and to ease some financial pressure as they forge this new path.

Thank you,

Shanine