Help Amanda stay in Vancouver

My name is Amanda and I am urgently collecting funds to relief the stress of applying for a humanitarian and compassionate grounds visa (also known as an H&C visa). I am hoping to raise the funds of the processing fee plus bridging visa free so I can remain and work in Vancouver while my application is being processed.

I have since coming to Vancouver, pulled all my time and energy into community work engagement. I've found immense purpose and ambition in creating opportunities for artists and musicians in this city to meet, work together and support each other. I believe in the power of art and I believe in the power of community, hence why I self-funded and self-produced a documentary about the music scene, which spanned over 2024 and screened at multiple venues across Vancouver with an expected release at Rio Theatre in June.

Likewise, I have poured my heart and soul into creating safe spaces for writers and poets to share their work with each other, a mission I am proud of and want to continue. This mission also fueled me to finish a book set for release in May at Slice of Life Gallery.

Both of these big projects have proved that I am capable of producing art that generates revenue, exposure and attendance to Canadian produced art and Vancouver-based venues. I am passionate about Vancouver-based art and artistic communities, and besides my own artistic endeavors, I truly wish to help build opportunities and careers of other musicians, help enhance venues and eventually work closely with as many promoters and organizers as possible. I have big plans and ideas for the city, and even bigger ambitions.

I have further, established a brand of event photography and videographer, heavily endorsed by various musicians and artists due to its niche vibe: a brand that is not only increasing in popularity but in team size, as volunteers now contribute their time to attend events to film with me, and I likewise receive regular offers of collaborations and jobs. It is my desire to turn this into a part of my career long term.

The brand East of Main that I have built and am now known for, is a testament to my unwavering dedication to the music and arts scene as well as evidence that I fully intend to grow the brand, expand on my knowledge and skill and remain as part of the Vancouver art and music scene long term.

I sincerely wish to stay with my loved ones, my community, my career and my home. I sincerely hope that there is humanity in an immigration system that hardly ever seem to value the impact and legacy of community workers, artists, and freelancers.

Community cannot be replaced.

Ambition and opportunities do not create themselves.

Hope dies last.

Any donation helps me be able to pay for this processing.

Thank you all so much,

Amanda

Vancouver is my home. I came here with just a suitcase in 2022, and have over my 2,5 years as a temporary worker here found love, community, purpose, a career, and countless connections that well prove that I am more emotionally and financially tied to Canada than to my home country of Denmark.

Besides my immediate family and a handful of friends, I have nothing left in Denmark. I don't have a home, a bank or job there anymore, I don't even have my social insurance intact.