A Society of Saint Vincent de Paul Conference in London, Ontario received an email from an international student, Ana, who had moved to Canada from Brazil in December 2022 with her husband and two young children. She moved to Canada and was taking a 3-year course at Fanshawe College to provide a better life for her children.

Shortly after moving to Canada, her husband got a work visa and has been working for the past 3 years. They brought their life savings with them to pay for the College courses. Due to unforeseen expenses, they were short and unable to pay for the last course needed. If Ana could not come up with a payment of $8,500 to complete the program, the family would be deported back to Brazil the end of July, 2026.

The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul sprang into action. Ontario has an education fund, Ozanam Education Fund, that assists with post-secondary education expenses up to $4,000 and Ana’s application was quickly approved. There were still a shortfall and Ontario Regional Council stepped up to provide the additional funds needed through its newly instituted “pass down” program. This initiative provided the ability to prevent the family from being deported back to Brazil.

When a SSVP member accompanied Ana to Fanshawe College to provide the cheque to pay for her last course, she was filled with joy and so appreciative for the compassion she was shown by the two SSVP members who met with her and listened to her story.

Due to the urgency of when payment was needed by the College, thanks to many hands being involved with this special request, the payment was made 5 days after the initial request was received by email.

In this case, it took a village to “help in all possible ways” to facilitate Ana and her family being able to stay in Canada.

The Conference will continue to stay in touch with Ana and her family to follow their story.

Martha & Brian Sinasac, St. George Conference, London, ON