I am organizing a fundraiser on behalf of Macarena, her spouse Bryan and their 3 children - their youngest child was born only a few days ago, in July 2025.

Macarena is a Convention Refugee in Canada. I had the privilege of working with Macarena and Bryan, and got to learn about their history in Canada and the incredible challenges that Macarena especially has faced in her life.

Throughout the time I worked with them, I was struck by Macarena's resilience and composure, even in the face of years of immigration and personal challenges, and despite her young age (she is only 22 years old).

Macarena and Bryan have 3 children - Joshua is 6 years old, Maya is 16 months old and they just had a new baby a few days ago.

They have no family support, and are managing on their own.

Macarena's son Joshua had many health problems as a baby and he has autism that is severe. He requires extensive support and care, and as you may know, the public supports available to children with autism are terribly underfunded. He has been on the waitlist for the Ontario Autism Program since 2021 (when he was 2.5 years old).

Right now their family is surviving on Ontario Works and Canada Child Benefit payments. Bryan is waiting for a new work permit - his work permit was seized by Canada Border Services, and although he is entitled to a new work permit, the wait time is 6 months.

Any extra support they can receive will help them cover basic expenses, essentials for their new baby, and extra care for Joshua.