For Sarah, a mother of two who arrived in Montreal from Algeria in 2022, the dream of a fresh start in Canada has been overshadowed by a relentless daily struggle. Her plans to quickly resume her career in banking and communications were upended by the needs of her eldest son, leaving the family in a precarious financial situation as bills accumulate.
A Mother's Full-Time Commitment
Sarah's son, Adam, is 12 years old and autistic. He attends a specialized high school in Hochelaga, a significant journey from their downtown home. Her younger son, Sam, is six and goes to an elementary school just east of downtown. The logistics alone are a monumental task.
"I don't work; I dedicate all my time to my children," Sarah explained. Her days are a constant cycle of caregiving, school runs, and managing Adam's numerous appointments. "All the time I'm running around," she said, describing a reality where holding down a traditional job is impossible.
The Search for Stability and Support
The challenges are compounded by Adam's medical needs. Since arriving in Canada, Sarah has tried six different medications for her son, but none have been successful. A latest attempt in late November failed, forcing her to consider alternative therapies.
The situation is becoming more difficult to manage. Adam is "becoming more aggressive and unwell," Sarah shared. He is physically strong for his age, nearly matching his mother in height, which makes moments of aggression particularly hard to handle alone.
A glimmer of hope lies in her pending family reunification. Sarah traveled to Algeria in September 2025 for her wedding ceremony, and her husband plans to join her in Montreal through the sponsorship process. "I hope everything will be all right so he can come and help me," she said.
Financial Strain and a Holiday Hope
With no income, the financial pressure is severe. "I have my credit card and it's maxed out," Sarah admitted. As the holidays approach, she wishes to bring some joy to her boys—Adam, who "likes everything," and Sam, who loves trains.
The Gazette Christmas Fund will provide crucial relief. The donation will help her pay down her debt "a little bit" amid the overwhelming pressures she faces as a sole caregiver in a new country.
How to Help: The person cited is representative of those your donations will assist. Donations to the Gazette Christmas Fund can be made online at christmasfund.com. All inquiries can be directed to christmasfundinquiries@postmedia.com.