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Hi folks,
I appreciate you reading this and considering how you might be able to help.
TLDR (Scroll further for a more detailed description) :
- I suffered a concussion in September and had to be taken to the ER
- I am ineligible for government healthcare in BC/Canada since I'm still waiting for Permanent Residency, 5 years since applying.
- My current paperwork prohibits any work outside the arts, and restricts me to short term contracts (5 months at the most). This makes it difficult to work outside the industry, and complicates planning for emergencies, at least until I have Residency.
- Insurance from The Canadian Actor's Equity Association (performing artist 'union') only covers costs that aren't usually covered by government healthcare.
- It would mean the world if you are able to help in any small way, even if that is to spread the word about this fundraiser.
- Thank you!
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LONG FORM INFO:
About Me:
Thanks for checking out this fundraiser.
If we don't know each other, or even if we do, Welcome!
I'm a Sri Lankan musician working primarily as a singer and arts researcher in the spaces of Opera and Concert Performance in Canada. Home is currently the stolen lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations - Vancouver, British Columbia.
What Happened:
On September 19th, I lost consciousness at the intersection of Broadway/Kingsway in Vancouver, hitting my head in the process. After regaining consciousness, I called 911. I was thankfully supported by a friend who was working nearby until emergency services arrived. I was taken by ambulance to the ER unit at Mount St. Joseph Hospital. I was kept there for several hours and underwent some tests and a CT scan. I was diagnosed with a concussion, which was brought on by an infection that my body was fighting at the time.
Why I Need Help:
As many of you know, I have been in immigration limbo for a while. I applied for Permanent Residency 5 years ago, and haven't yet received the results of that application. My current paperwork is a visitor permit that I need to keep renewing once or twice a year. This permit limits my field of work to the performing arts industry (excluding film and TV) and restricts me to short term contracts - no longer than 5 months. All this to say, until I have Residency I am ineligible for government health coverage.
I feel very grateful for the work I have had in my field. At the same time the last couple of years have been pretty lean given the state of the economy and the arts.
I'm also thankful that aside from the ongoing effects of the concussion I have no other known health issues from this incident. I have had to dip into my savings to cover some of my living costs during this period. This hospital bill is not something I can afford with my limited financial capacity, and the limits to what I can do for work. So I am asking for help to raise the funds I need.
Fundraising Goal:
I'm asking for help raising CAD 3,500. The bill, and the breakdown of the bill is pictured below.
How You Can Help:
I understand it's a tricky time for many people financially. I'm grateful to you for considering this. Spreading the word about this fundraiser is also extremely helpful., and any small amount helps me meet this expense.
THANK YOU!
I'm very grateful to everyone who offered help immediately after the incident as well as during my recovery. This isn't an easy ask to make, for many reasons, and I'm thankful to you for considering this ask, and for spreading the word.
