“I love sports. It’s in my nature. But when I arrived to Canada, I thought I might not be able to afford to play them.
And, because of what I had experienced in my country of origin (Republic of the Congo), I was stressed and sunk into depression.
During a welcome session at the YMCA Residence, where I was staying, I learned that I could participate in sports activities at the YMCA for free. I immediately jumped at the opportunity and started going to the gym and yoga classes.
Believe me, especially after doing yoga that day, for the first time since coming to Canada, I was able to go to bed at 9:00 pm. Usually, it was around 2:00 or 3:00 am, and after taking sleeping pills.
Words cannot express my relief, except maybe thank you! Thank you to all those who have helped keep these actions going. I will never forget you.”
Testimonial from a former asylum seeker who stayed at the YMCA Residence.
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