Six months ago, Father Joseph and Matushka Amy received an urgent phone call: could they take in six small children for “just a few days” while their parents worked out a few issues ? Without hesitation, they said yes.

At the time, they already had a full and loving household with eight children of their own, six of whom still lived at home in their small dwelling. Overnight, their household became 14.

Those “few days” have become six months and the six children, three boys and three girls — ranging in age from a nine-month-old baby to the eldest at just eight years — are still in their care.

My name is Olga. For years, Fr. Joseph has been a spiritual guide to my family. Not only has his counsel steadied my marriage and guided our family through a difficult period, but he and Amy are dear friends. I am creating this campaign because their extraordinary act of love has placed significant financial strain on their family and they are in urgent need of help.

A few months ago, a family they knew was in crisis. The mother faced severe medical difficulties, including unpredictable seizures. Fr. Joseph and Amy offered to help. Unfortunately, with no steady income, the birth parents are under severe financial strain and haven’t been able to provide Fr. Joseph and Amy with any financial support for the six children. Although the father has since visited a couple of times, given the present circumstances, he and his wife will not be able to care for their children in the near future. Through their deep faith, love and sacrifice, Fr. Joseph and Matushka Amy continue to care for the children in their home.

Official legal paperwork, signed by the children’s father, grants Fr. Joseph and Amy full authority to care for the children, provide medical care, and transport them. They are working diligently with the proper authorities to ensure a stable, long-term arrangement that prioritizes the children's well-being.

But the practical strain on the household is immense:

Growing Needs: With six growing children, the needs are constant — the boys need bigger shirts and pants, the girls need dresses and leggings that fit, and the baby needs bigger sleepers and a regular supply of diapers. New shoes are needed for all. And the family’s grocery bill has risen significantly.

A Transportation Crisis: The family lives in a very small community without any services or stores. They are dependent on their two high-mileage cars which have a total of 12 seats, but there are now 14 people in their household, so they cannot travel together as a family. To get to church as a whole parish family, they have to ask for rides from other people, pay for taxis, or risk unsafe travel in overloaded vehicles. This makes it difficult to maintain the very community life that sustains them.

I have been a guest in their home many times. The love and order they maintain is a testament to their faith. They pray with all the children every morning and evening, home-school them, and ensure they are well-fed, clothed, and secure. The children are thriving in their care.

I have set up this campaign to receive the funds and transfer them directly to Fr. Joseph's family, ensuring simplicity for them during this demanding time. As their close friend, I will ensure that 100% of funds raised go directly to Fr. Joseph for these urgent needs, which are as follows:

1. Sustaining the Household ($10,000): For the increased costs of groceries, essential medications, and clothing for the next six months.

2. A Safe Family Vehicle ($15,000): This amount will allow them to purchase a dependable, used station wagon or minivan with 7-8 seats that is approximately 6-8 years old with under 150,000 kilometres — a vehicle that will provide safe, faithful service for their now much larger family.

Total Goal: $25,000

The entire parish community has been deeply inspired and has helped as they are able. However, the needs are greater than one small church can bear alone. Your support extends this circle of love. You are helping a priest and his family — who have dedicated their lives to serving others — to continue to provide a stable, holy, and joyful home. You are investing in the full and healthy childhood these six precious children deserve. I will provide updates on their behalf so you can see the profound difference your generosity makes.

Please, join me in supporting this remarkable family. Share their story far and wide.

Fr. Joseph and Amy did not hesitate when six vulnerable children needed a home. Now we have the opportunity to support them in that act of compassion. Your donation — no matter the size — will provide critical support for these children during a very uncertain time. Sharing this campaign is another powerful way to help. Any act of generosity is a blessing that will be met with prayers of gratitude.

With heartfelt thanks,

Olga