Hi, my name is Irene and I am fundraising for Hannah

Sometimes the hardest thing isn’t poverty; it’s being alone at 85.

This is Hannah

A kind, warm woman who has lived in Ukraine, then Israel, and for the past almost 13 years in Canada… and today, she is completely alone.

She has no family, no friends, no stable income, and no place she can truly call home. She lives in a shelter for seniors and sometimes has to move between locations.

She doesn’t speak English, and because of her hearing loss and memory challenges, even simple communication has become very difficult.

I visit her whenever I can. We sit together, talk, and go for small walks. Sometimes she just needs someone to be there.

As you can see in these photos, she is a beautiful, gentle person who still smiles, who still tries, who still deserves dignity and care.

I have tried to get support for her through different organizations, including Jewish and Russian community services. She also used to attend the Bethel Centre to learn English, but due to her hearing difficulties and health issues, she was not able to continue.

Unfortunately, we were not able to secure the support she needs. She does not qualify for government financial assistance such as OW, ODSP, or pension, which leaves her in a very vulnerable situation.

Right now, I am doing everything I can, including selling my own belongings, to help her.

The most urgent and life-changing need is a hearing aid.

She currently struggles to hear almost everything around her. This affects her ability to communicate, feel safe, and stay connected to the world. A proper hearing aid would completely change her daily life.

We are hoping to raise funds for:

• Hearing aid (priority) and legal forms.

• Basic needs (clothing, hygiene, bedding, multivitamins) and maybe laptop or phone, so she can watch movies.

• Small comforts (food, books, simple outings)

• Transportation support (Presto, occasional trips outside the shelter)

She loves simple things like chocolate, watermelons, Tim Hortons, reading Russian /Ukranian books, and just spending time with someone who cares.

Because of privacy and safety, I cannot share her exact location. I also coordinate all visits to make sure she feels safe and not overwhelmed.

If you feel like helping, even a small amount can make a real difference.

If you prefer, you can also reach out to me directly to donate items or support in other ways.

Even sharing this page helps more than you know.

Thank you for seeing her, and for helping bring a little warmth and dignity into her life