Corine in Toronto 

In December of 2013, Corrine landed at Pearson International Airport to begin her new life in Canada. Arrangements had been in place for months. Corinne, a beaming young woman brimming with talent, would leave her mother and adoptive father, her extensive and loving network of aunts, uncles and cousins and escape the difficulties of life in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, for a brighter future in Toronto.

In Haiti, Corinne was a straight-A student. She dreamed of becoming an engineer, or an architect and her nurturing home life had put her on a path to success. As she arrived at Henri’s home, Corinne was immediately struck by the sense that something wasn’t right. From the first night, it was made clear that there was no room for her in the crowded apartment she was meant to share with her new family. Things eventually came to a head around the time of Corinne’s 18th birthday. After months of living in a poisonous environment, her father’s barbs became sharper and more menacing and Corinne began to grow fearful. She quickly rounded up whatever belongings she could carry intending to leave, but not knowing where to go. Moments later, her father showed her the door. Corinne left and hasn’t looked back.

Tired, cold, scared and alone, Corinne was referred to another shelter in the city of Toronto. Her first night was terrifying. Thankfully she got in touch with the school social worker and was referred to Eva’s where she has lived ever since.

Since arriving at Eva’s, Corinne has gained stability. Eva’s staff has worked with Social Workers at Corinne’s school to secure applications for housing. Corinne sits on the cusp of success, but that success is by no means assured. The next year of her life is absolutely crucial. Her final year of high school began this September and with the proper support, there’s no doubt that Corinne will succeed in whatever she chooses to pursue. Without that support, her future is far less certain.

The money raised through the Hockey Helps the Homeless tournament will go directly to providing financial assistance to this support and to ensure that youth in situations similar to Corinne have a safe place to go, grow and get back on track. The donations you are asking for will help homeless and at-risk youth reach their potential to lead productive, self-sufficient and healthy lives. On behalf of Eva’s Initiatives and Hockey Helps the Homeless, thank you for your commitment and support.

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