A Teenager’s Dream Comes True

The priceless things that society sometimes takes for granted can hold a lot of meaning in the context of a family that has left home and everything they held dear, to start afresh in a new country. A father’s provision for his family; a youth’s yearning for a toy; a family’s struggle to make ends meet…!. Sixteen year old Santiago had yearned for a video game and just when he thought he would never get it, a miracle happened.

Sitting on the living room couch, sixteen year old Santiago concentrates on his video game, X-Box. He is excited, and watching him play could lift anyone’s spirits. When asked to narrate how he got his game, he is shy and yet keen to share his story. Since his family moved from the US 17 months ago, Santiago lived for the day he would get X-box. His father had promised him the game for his birthday but as the day approached, he realized that he would not be able to afford it. He explained this to his son, who understood his family’s circumstances. And yet his father still longed to purchase the toy for his son. When the staff of Sojourn House heard about this father’s dilemma they sought donations from former residents’, allowing them to raise and donate the money that would see this young man’s dream come true. He received his game in January 2006. Santiago was surprised, and excited at his fortune. In his words, "I was pretty happy and excited when I received the surprise gift". He believes his leisure time would have been miserable if Sojourn House had not come out just when he needed them most.

As the cold weather sets in, Santiago claims the game has become his salvation as it keeps him occupied when he is not busy with his school work. His parents, Doriana and Libardo are happy that their sons dream became a reality, thanks to Sojourn House. They are grateful to the management and staff for the support they have given them and their son since they came to Canada. Says Libardo. “This game really changed the life of our son" as he posed for a family picture. Currently an eleventh grader at Parkdale Collegiate Santiago still maintains a social life beyond the video game. He still takes time to play with his friends and his other interests include basketball, gym classes, and cars. A lot of things are taken for granted by society – the value of family; a father’s ability to provide for his family; the sharing of gifts. During this time of giving and sharing, we urge everyone to think of those less fortunate than themselves, and to share with those less fortunate through no fault of theirs.

Please donate a toy or a game – for a refugee child or youth at Sojourn House – from an infant to a 16-18 year separated youth