Help Gerardo and Valentina with Immigration and Moving Costs

Dear friends, family, and compassionate supporters,

We are reaching out on behalf of our dear friends, Valentina and Gerardo, who are going through an incredibly difficult and urgent time. We wanted to share their story with you because they need our help now more than ever.

Valentina and Gerardo have been in the process of applying for Permanent Residency (PR) in Canada since 2021. Unfortunately, due to the complexity of Canada’s immigration system, they were unable to secure a work permit while waiting for their PR application to be processed. They've been given a chance to rectify this issue, but they need to secure legal representation immediately as this is a time-sensitive matter.

After seeking legal advice, they were advised to leave Canada as soon as possible to restore their status and avoid more serious complications. They've already booked their flights back to Mexico, but getting to this point has been incredibly challenging. They’ve been rushing to pack up their life here in Vancouver, where Valentina has lived for 11 years and Gerardo for 6 years.

On top of everything, Gerardo has been struggling with long-COVID for the past three years, which has made it difficult for him to secure work. Managing his ongoing health crisis along with their immigration struggles has been financially, emotionally, and physically draining for both of them.

With their savings now depleted, they are asking for our support to help cover:

Gerardo is an extraordinary chef who has touched so many lives with his cooking, providing comfort and joy to others. Despite his health issues, he has always done his best to care for his community and contribute to their household. Valentina, an arts worker, has spent years supporting emerging and established artists in Vancouver. She has worked tirelessly to amplify the voices of marginalized communities, creating opportunities and support for artists across various disciplines. Her dedication to the arts and community building has made a lasting impact on many lives.

Together, Valentina and Gerardo have shown remarkable resilience, and their commitment to community and care for others is evident in everything they do. If you are able to support them during this difficult time, any contribution—big or small—will go a long way in helping them get back on their feet.

We appreciate you taking the time to read their story. Your kindness and support mean the world to them.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Nadim Woolgar, Trevor Stewart, Juan Treviño Galán, Daniela Rodríguez Chevalier