Hello everyone,

My name is Alona. In 2022, my husband and I fled Ukraine with our two children after the full-scale war took away our home, our work, and everything we had built. We arrived in Canada with just two suitcases, determined to start over and give our children safety and hope for the future.

But the uncertainty of our immigration status and constant financial strain have left me battling panic attacks and anxiety almost every day. The fear of not being able to protect my children’s future is overwhelming, and I know that securing Permanent Residency is the only way to truly breathe again and feel safe.

Thanks to the generosity of the Canadian government, we received visitor visa assistance and work permits. My husband found a job within two weeks of arriving, and I began making handmade jewellery from home to help support us while caring for our youngest daughter, who was just one year old. We have since welcomed another baby here in Canada, and we are incredibly grateful to be in a safe, kind, and supportive community.

But starting over hasn’t been easy. Our savings are gone, and most of what we earn goes toward basic living expenses. On top of that, keeping our status in Canada means constantly renewing documents for ourselves and our children — a process that takes months and costs more than we can afford.

Our time on temporary status is running out, and we urgently need to apply for Permanent Residency so we can stop the cycle of renewals and truly settle here. The cost for immigration consultants and application fees is over $6,000, which is far beyond what we can manage right now.

If you can spare even $1, every contribution brings us closer to our goal. Your kindness will help us secure stability, safety, and a permanent home in Canada — and give me the chance to live without constant fear.

Is it hard to ask for help? Yes. Do I feel guilty that we can’t provide everything our family needs right now? Absolutely.

But as a mother, I have to try. I have to fight to lift us up and make sure we are truly protected through proper documentation and a secure future in Canada and be there for someone else in need.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for reading our story and for any support you can give — whether it’s a donation or simply sharing this campaign.

To be heard is also important

With gratitude,

Alona & Family