(Translated from French)
«My name is Bomanga. I am a grandmother. My grandson Pongo arrived in Canada on May 6 2016 on a Friday. My grandson arrived here without his permanent residence having been confirmed. When we arrived at the government office to complete his application, we were told that he couldn’t have his documents as he was not registered at school. So I went to the school but couldn’t register him there because I didn’t have his vaccination record.
The next Wednesday, he got sick. I had nothing and I didn’t know where to go. I found my way to the LCRC and asked for help. I explained my problem. They called CHEO for me and they accepted to see Pongo so off we went. He had a 40 degree fever. We ended up staying there 10 days. I was well-served because it was the LCRC that made the connection.
After 10 days, we finally got out of the hospital. But we were sent a bill for $16,640. I do not work. I am an older person. So I went back to the LCRC to ask for help again. I gave them the bill and with their help we are trying to sort things out—we are waiting for an answer from CHEO.
When he got out of the hospital, Pongo had to start summer school. Since the LCRC had helped us with bus tickets before, I tried going back yet again to see if they could help with a bus pass. An employee came with us to buy a pass for him so that he could go to school.
Finally, this coming Monday (November 7), I am going to pick up his permanent residence papers and health card. The LCRC is very good to us. They help us, they welcome us. If you go there with a problem, they help you find solutions. This is why I want to share my story with you…to say thank you to the LCRC and Christina, our worker. Thank you! Thank you so much! »
– Bomanga Moseka