back to the legal deal

now that life has 'calmed' down slightly, we're back to stressing about the current state of our Permanent residency Visa - you can read the whole back story *here* - we have been trying to get the little bit of paper that lets us live here in Canada for the rest of our lives as we love living here and our kids love it here.

so basically we need to raise $6,000 (Canadian) by the end of September (we’ve managed to get some more time to raise the funds), we’ve already personally raised $2,000 ourselves by selling our shares and a few other things so we’re asking for some help for the last part as we have exhausted all the legal options options to us (and no, illegal options are not even worth contemplating)

I know it sounds awfully selfish and I hate asking because I feel we should be able to do it on our own but the truth and reality is that we cannot and basically if we don’t raise the fees, we will be deported as there is no way we can afford to go back to the UK on our own as the flights themselves are $5K and life is the UK for us would suck big time.

I will be putting up details in a minute about a fund raising Crop that Treasured Memories are putting on for me - because they are awesome and then over the next few weeks I will be selling handmade items on etsy and holding some silent auctions to try and raise the rest of the fees.  I am not asking for money for nothing, i will be offered my skills and love to anyone who can help us. and We will be informing everyone of any news as it happens.

I am very grateful for the friendships I have, and am already humbled by the generosity of my friends as they have already started to donate such beautiful items and services to allow us the chance of moving forward. If you would like to donate an item, a skill, a layout or anything for the silent auctions, please let me know as I am useless at asking.

I have been asked to add a paypal donate button to my blog for people who would like  help. While I am slightly weirded out by doing so - everyone knows me and how uncomfortable i get about asking for stuff for myself personally - sometimes there are no other options.

Please don’t feel you must help, donate or such like as we are grateful to be here as it is, we are trying all angles to raise the funds and basically it have come down to this that I am reaching out to my friends in the Scrapbook world for help. Even just words of encouragement and support is gratefully appreciated.

Comments

[Julianne]

I know you well enough to know that this was a hard post, I know how hard you fought us on the baby shower thinking it was a 'gift grab' and that wasn't what you wanted. I'll see what we can round up for you :)

[Janine Wahl]

Anam, we are there to do what we can. we love you and don't want to see the Stubbingtons have to pick up and go.

I'll help you any way I can. Friends. It's what we do. :)

[Jen]

Hey Anam, I had no idea and I'm appalled! I'm glad I was able to buy a teeny something off etsy, but didn't realise the reason behind it. Will donate a bit more shortly when I'm paid. I know how important staying in Canada is to all of you, and I'm delighted to help, albeit in a tiny way. Plus, you are the most selfless person around, and you helped US raise the money to get Claire to the States, so.... I know first hand how hard it is to ask, but by golly, you've got a good bunch of friends - look at that thermometer thingy! Take care xxx

[Bammela]

Leica Forrest linked her blog to this story and I am glad she did. You sound like you will make a GREAT Canadian. All that humbleness and embarrassment at asking for anything for yourself - it is almost a Patriotic duty for us! I love my country and I LOVE when other folks love it too and want to be a part of it. Good luck to you and I will head over to the Etsy and see what's up.
Bammela

[Suzanne]

I'm gutted for you that it is such a hard fight. I can see how wonderful life is for you all in Canada - and who can blame you for not wanting to come back here?! I truly hope you get the money to fight and that the fight is successful. Thinking of you often.

[Ems]

Hi Anam! I'm one of your fans! We'll keep you in our prayers! That's the least we can do here from this part of the world! Stay strong and positive!

[Sandra Lomas]

i enjoy your blog. thanks for sharing. i will continue to pray for you and your family.

[RamonGustav]

I think you have a thorough understanding in this matter. You describe in detail all here.

[Antivirus_man]

Merry Christmas! I wish you a lot of gifts and luck in the new year.