Child: 1 non-binary teen (16)

This remarkable teenager has faced immense challenges throughout their life. Having left Syria at the tender age of 2 due to the horrors of war, and then tragically losing their mother to cancer at just 6 years old, trauma and neglect have been present since they were young.

At the age of 9, they embarked on a new journey as a refugee in Canada, adjusting to a completely different life. Additionally and tragically, this teen has been greatly impacted by years of abuse and neglect. The challenges of COVID-19 have also exacerbated their isolation, and they continue to struggle academically and socially at school. Anxiety, depression, and chronic self-harm are prevalent in their life.

Despite these immense challenges, this teen continues to try and navigate life with remarkable resilience and independence. However, they have not had the opportunity to experience simple pleasures that many take for granted, such as dining at a restaurant or visiting a movie theater. They are currently living in a day program facility for youth through the George Hull Centre, where they receive counselling and mentorship.

Parent: Single Mother

Children: Daughter (14), Son (5), Daughter (5), Daughter (3)

This resilient family is in the process of reuniting after facing various challenges. Their 14-year-old daughter recently returned to their care from the Children's Aid Society (CAS). It's a significant step towards rebuilding their family bonds and providing her with the support and love she needs during this pivotal stage of adolescence.

In addition to her three children, this single mother also takes care of her adopted nephew, who is facing his own set of challenges due to his mother's mental health issues. This compassionate act reflects the family's commitment to providing a stable and loving home for those in need. This family is also requesting a triple-stacked twin bunk bed, mattresses, and linens. 

Parent: Single Mother

Children: Son (16), Son (14), Daughter (6), Daughter (4)

This single mother and her four remarkable children have endured hardships that are beyond comprehension. The mother, a survivor of horrific domestic violence, is left unable to work due to the physical and emotional scars of her past. Yet she remains dedicated to providing a safe and loving home for her children.

As a single mother to four children ranging from 4 to 16 years old is an immense challenge on its own, there are additional layers of complexity that make their journey even more demanding.

The family relies on social assistance for their livelihood; in a city that has become increasingly unaffordable, making ends meet is an impossible task. While the family does everything it can to maintain housing and keep everyone fed, it is truly a struggle to do so. 

Despite the obstacles they have encountered, this family is loving, thoughtful, and caring. Each child in this family is a bright star, shining in their unique ways. Their mother is truly amazing, dedicated, and relentlessly hardworking. She is touched by the outpouring of support from strangers and finds it difficult to express her gratitude.

Parents: Father and Mother

Children: Son (10), Daughter (8), Daughter (5)

This family is composed of hardworking parents who face significant challenges. The father works tirelessly to support the family as the sole breadwinner, while the mother stays home to provide essential care for their three children. A language barrier makes it difficult for her to seek employment or interact with the community effectively.

Adding to their difficulties, one of their children faces a vision challenge, requiring extra attention and care. The two older children also struggle with multiple learning disabilities, causing them to fall behind in school. Financial constraints have made it impossible to afford the tutoring they desperately need.

Their living arrangements are far from ideal. Their son sleeps in a small den/closet area, while the mother shares a bed with their two daughters. Meanwhile, the father sleeps in the living room of their one-bedroom apartment. The stove in their home is in disrepair, with only one burner working. This hampers their ability to prepare food properly, and the children go to bed hungry regularly.

Parent: Mother

Child: Daughter (4)

This resilient single mother and her young child have faced numerous challenges. The child has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and requires extra support to engage in simple outings and provide some respite for the mother. Activities like going to the library, swimming, or visiting an apple farm are currently beyond their reach, and they long for the opportunity to experience these simple pleasures together.

The mother herself has a story of courage and determination. She moved to Canada as a refugee and has faced hardships, including falling victim to an unfortunate incident where her Uber Driver account was hacked. Despite the obstacles, she has not given up on her dreams. With an educational psychology degree and a bachelor's in education and arts, she previously taught English in a Nigerian high school and worked as a guidance counsellor for two years. However, due to equivalency standards, she is unable to work in the same line of work that her education supports. She is currently enrolled in school with the help of OSAP and loans, pursuing her dream of becoming a nurse. 

Living in Canada for six years, she lacks a community of family or friends and is extremely isolated. Her resilience and determination are truly commendable as she navigates the challenges of her life, all while caring for her child.

Parent: Single Mother

Child: Son (9)

This family has faced significant challenges due to the young boy's medical issues, which often require him to be admitted to Sick Kids, causing him to miss a substantial amount of school. As a result, he has fallen behind, and the mother can not afford a laptop to support his educational needs. In addition, she struggles with worrying about how to get her child to the hospital, so Presto Passes for the TTC and Uber gift cards would be a lifeline for her.

This mother has never had the ability to provide her son with new possessions. When asked about her wish list, she was at a loss, as her focus has always been on her child's well-being. She found it somewhat overwhelming and could not bring herself to request a brand-new laptop for her son's educational needs, opting instead for a refurbished one.

The mother is still coming to terms with the incredible kindness of the community. The concept that people are genuinely willing to provide the support she requires has left her in awe. Despite their struggles, this mother harbours a deep desire to give back to others when she is in a better financial position in the future. Her selflessness and determination are truly admirable.

Parent: Single mother

Children: Son (Transgender male, 10), Daughter (2)

This family faces significant challenges in their life journey. The sudden and tragic death of their father in October 2018 resulted in a single-parent household, where their mother carries the weight of responsibility for the family.

Adding to their difficulties, the mother herself has a disability, and they currently rely on the Ontario Disability Support Plan for their financial needs. They live in subsidized housing, navigating life with a limited budget.

The 10-year-old is a transgender male with a deep passion for theater and creative expression. They have a younger sister, who is 2 years old. The younger child is active and curious about her surroundings. 

Parent: Single Mother

Children: Son (16), Daughter (15), Son (9)

This family has faced unimaginable hardship, with the mother enduring a lifetime of suffering and abuse. They currently live in a home plagued by leaks and mold issues, which has forced the mother and her two youngest sons to sleep in the living room on mattresses on the floor. Their living situation is further complicated by the imminent threat of "renoviction," leaving them without stable housing.

The youngest son suffers from asthma, making the presence of mold in their home particularly challenging and detrimental to his health. The living conditions they are currently enduring undoubtedly have a severe impact on the development of all three children.

The family's main concern is food, as they often rely on food banks to meet their basic needs. This food insecurity has become a barrier to the children's education, as they frequently lack food to pack for school lunches. Additionally, the two older children require quality scientific calculators and protractor sets for their studies. The family shops for affordable school supplies at Dollarama, but they struggle to find quality supplies. The older son also needs male hygiene products, such as a good quality electric razor, as the family can only afford disposable ones.

Despite the overwhelming challenges, the mother has enrolled in college, driven by the desire to break the cycle of poverty and provide a better future for her children. Juggling school, her children's needs and household responsibilities is an incredible feat, and she does her best to put her children first.