SHARE YOUR STORY
In the interest of allowing refugees to have a voice, this site welcomes stories from refugees. Personal stories should be submitted using text and/or photographs (please keep the images small).
For security reasons, we ask you not to include identifying details. We may also decide to change names or withhold certain details. Submissions may be edited for clarity or brevity.
Please e-mail your stories to wrdtoronto@gmail.com
True Stories
Carlos, Juanita and their 10 year old son arrived in Canada in March 2006. They fled a corrupt and volatile city in Mexico. Carlos’ wife was a lawyer and had received death threats from authorities who were abusing their power. Their first home in Canada was Christie Refugee Welcome and immediately felt safe and grateful. However, their adjustment and integration into Canadian life was anything but easy – especially for Carlos’ wife. Although, well educated and a professional back home, Juanita spoke little English and quickly began to feel socially isolated and emotionally depressed. Fortunately, the family moved into transitional housing and Juanita was able to access an art therapy group for new immigrants where she found support, encouragement, and assistance. In the meantime, Carlos was managing the family, learning English and volunteering at Christie Refugee Welcome Centre. Carlos was a committed volunteer for over a year never missing a shift. His dedication, positive spirit and resilience prompted staff to recommend Carlos for a part-time position at the Centre. Since then, he has been promoted to a full-time position and makes a remarkable contribution to the staff team. Carlos began volunteering because he wanted to give back to the first place that was his first home in Canada. In spite of losing his home, identity, status in Mexico, Carlos is carving out a bright future for family in Canada.
“I think all of us when we left our home countries we suffered because we left everything behind including the people we love… Coming to a new country at first it is difficult to adapt to the weather, the culture, the new language, different customs, food but most importantly we know that we are safe and we have the opportunity to build a new life, and new chapter in our lives with many opportunities that this multicultural country give us. We all have the commitment to work hard and maybe harder then in our home country because Canada will be the home for our children and we have to make Canada the best country in the world” Carlos
Names have been changed for privacy.