A Mother’s Journey: Starting Over with Three children

Hello everyone,

My name is Zehra , and I’m a mother of three beautiful children Life hasn’t been easy for us since my divorce, but I’ve learned that with faith, hard work, and kindness from others, miracles can happen.

When my marriage ended, I had nothing no job, no savings, and no idea how to support my children. I had always been a housewife. I didn’t even know how to open a bank account, and my English was very limited. I was terrified to speak to anyone, even to answer a simple “How are you?” But I knew I had to be strong not for myself, but for my three little girls who were looking up to me.

During this difficult time, my uncle my only relative in Canada took us in. He worked as an Uber driver and didn’t earn much, but he made sure my daughters and I never went to bed hungry. I will always be grateful to him for that. Unfortunately, his wife wasn’t happy about us staying there because I couldn’t contribute financially. Her behavior became harsh and unbearable.

I tried applying for jobs online, but nothing worked out. Eventually, I thought of going to a shelter, but the conditions were heartbreaking. They told me that I could stay with my 8-year-old, but my 13-year-old would have to live in another shelter. I couldn’t imagine separating my children, and most of the women there were struggling with addiction. I felt hopeless I thought my life was over.

Then I started spending my days at the Mill Woods Library. Many people there began to recognize me because I was there every day. One kind lady spoke to me and told me about income support. She even went with me the next morning to help me apply. I still pray for her every day because her kindness changed my life.

Within a week, I was approved for support. When I received my first payment, I was so happy that I gave the money to my aunt out of gratitude. Later, I managed to rent a tiny apartment. It was small but to me, it felt like heaven.

My next challenge was school. My daughters’ school was very far from our new place. Every day, I walked nearly 24 kilometres 6 km each way, four times a day to drop them off and pick them up. Sometimes my uncle would see me walking and offer a ride, but most days, I did it all on foot. I was exhausted and lost 22 kg from all the walking. Still, I kept going, because giving up wasn’t an option.

One day, I broke down and called a friend in America. She was heartbroken after hearing what I’d been through. She and her husband gathered money with their friends and sent me $6,500. With that, and my uncle’s help, I was finally able to buy a car and soon after, I found a job.

That car changed my life. I could finally work, take my kids to school safely, and start rebuilding our future. I realized that without a car and a job, I had felt completely stuck and dependent. With them, I felt hope for the first time in years.

Now, after driving that car for almost three years, it’s starting to give me trouble again. I’ve been saving little by little I have $2,000 saved — but I know soon it may stop working completely. My car is not just a vehicle; it’s my lifeline.

I work full-time, but it’s not enough to cover all our expenses. So I also do Uber food delivery after work to make ends meet. I work back-to-back shifts so my daughters never have to go through the pain we once did.

That’s why I’m here today asking for your help to raise funds for a reliable car. Every single penny counts. Even the smallest donation means the world to me and my daughters.

Your support would not only help me buy a car but also help me continue providing for my family with dignity and independence.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for reading my story. Please keep us in your prayers. May God bless you with health, happiness, and ease in every step of your life.

With love and gratitude,

Zehra