Help an Afghan family start fresh in Canada

Please help this Afghan family, who were willing to put their safety on the line to help Canadians, start a new life in Canada.

 

Hello, I'm Gisèle Fontaine, a Canadian Armed Forces veteran, currently living in Ottawa Ontario. I am relieved and thrilled that our Afghan friend and colleague, Sami, who worked closely with Canadian and NATO Forces in Kabul, is now safe in Canada with his family under the refugee resettlement program. I worked with Sami for a full year, along with the members of four Canadian troop rotations (ROTOs) and with allied forces as part of the NATO Training Mission - Afghanistan.

 

Sami is a kind and gentle giant who’s work behind the scenes made a huge impact for all our teams to be able to work shoulder-to-shoulder with the Afghan staff and help develop and implement improved medical and dental education programs for the Afghan Army and Police. He put his life and his family’s at risk by working with us, has experienced indescribable turmoil, fear, and hardship particularly during the August 2021 events, and has finally made the long journey to Canada, not knowing what lies ahead. It is now our chance to help and provide this wonderful family relief and hope.

 

Sami is accompanied by his wife, their older daughter (21) and her husband (24), and their younger son (12) and daughter (11). Wherever they will decide to resettle, they will need financial assistance since they are starting with so little. They bravely left everything behind; their loved ones, their home, their memories, and all of their belongings.

 

We hope you will join us in providing them some support through this fund. The fund will be used to enhance their start up and monthly allowances, especially while they look for employment, assisting with rent, food, clothing, daily/unexpected expenses, as required. Government allowances are minimal and inadequate with the high cost of living and rising rental costs; this will help set them up for success and ease the difficult road ahead. This fund might also be used for the resettlement of other families waiting for evacuation from Afghanistan. As such, the fund will be managed centrally at first by myself, transferring funds to the family (or families) as needed.

 

No matter how big or small your donation, Sami and his family will be extremely grateful for your kindness and generosity. Rebecca Patterson, who also served with Sami, is helping me support this family; we ask that you please share in your circles for wider distribution and much needed funds. It is our privilege to set up this fund for them, you have our infinite gratitude for your support and trust.

 

Please help them have a positive fresh start in our beautiful country! Thank you!