Help Me bring my Son to Canada to Meet his Family (Birthday)

Who am I, and what am I raising fund for?

Hi, my name is Shannon Wright, and I'm starting this Fundraiser to be able to take my Son to Canada to meet his family in Ontario for the first time. This will be his 9th Birthday Present - and he is so excited to be with our Family and Friends for our Birthdays - Jan 21st and 22nd. :)

My son, Zen, was conceived in Canada, but due to VISA issues at the time (Under the Harper Government) we had to move to Australia - where his mother is from - for his birth. His mother and I split when he was 4, and I've stayed in Australia for him and haven't been able to go home to Canada since 2015.

I work as a Disability Support and Aged Care Worker - though I live in Tweed Heads to be near my son, I work up the Gold Coast, driving nearly an hour to and from each shift. I've luckily been able to find a small two bedroom apartment in a complex near enough to Zen's School and his Mom's house, but living paycheck to paycheck is a struggle.

Throughout the Trial, I have fought hard to have care of my son, and managed to negotiate for extended Holiday time this January (Australia's 'Summer Break' from School). Zen will be with me for nearly the whole month of January, and this is finally his chance to meet his Canadian Family.

Unfortunately, this has cost me nearly $40k, and I'm still paying it off. On top of that, my car broke down in January 2024. This left me renting a car for over 6 weeks, and that, along with the repairs, cost me nearly $10k - so my savings has been wiped out, and I won't be able to afford the trip we've been planning to Canada next year without help.

Why is this trip so Important?

Firstly, my Son Zen, has never been to the land of my birth, and has not met his extended Family, and my closest friends. He has never experienced a Canadian Winter, Tobogganing, Snow Ball Fights, Snow Angels, Skating on a Lake, Skiing/Snowboarding, or even seen snow!

Secondly: My grandmother, "GG" Elaine, was born in 1937, making her 87 years old. It is so important to her to get to meet my son, and travel is not an option for her. My Mom has had recent back surgery, and this month had knee surgery. Her mobility will be affected for a while, and a trip to Australia is not on the cards in the next few years.

Thirdly: Maybe a bit selfish, but I haven't been 'Home' since 2015. I miss my home country, my long time friends, and my family. I haven't seen my siblings since leaving, and Zen hasn't had the chance to meet his Aunt, Uncle and Cousins!

How will the Funds be used?

Funds will go to cover the cost of Airfare first.

A Rental Car would be necessary to visit family and friends for a month.

Spending Money for winter clothes for Zen especially, so he can experience all the amazing Winter activities that we're both really looking forward to! This might be our only chance while he's young.

Gotta pay that rent at home in Australia! Oh yeah, not working for a month is going to be a problem, as I'm living paycheck to paycheck at the moment. :(

Stretch Goals!

I'd love to bring Zen out west to visit his family there, and to see Vancouver, where I lived for 10 years.

I'd also love to bring Zen to The Royal Tyrell Museum in Drumheller, Alberta! As an 8 yr old, he loves Dinosaurs, and the Royal Tyrell is an Amazing Museum to visit!

Final Thoughts

I have been saving like a madman to make this happen, and unfortunately with all the circumstances, I'm worried that it might not. As sad as it sounds, if it doesn't happen this coming year, I'm worried that he may never meet his Great Grandmother.

Thanks for any and all help you may be able to give, this trip is very important to Zen and I, and to our Family and Friends back in Canada. It's something that we've been planning for a long time. Zen can't stop talking about it, and is looking forward to it immensely. It would break my heart to have to let him down. :(

Thanks again, and If you can't help monetarily, a share is really appreciated too.