Mariam* and her young daughter left their comfortable home in the Middle East for Canada, after her husband turned her in to authorities for being a Christian. Mariam’s church here helped find many of the items she needed, but the IKEA donation to Shelter to home provided a dining table and four chairs, a love seat, and many household items and linens. In every encounter I’ve had with Mariam, she has had a beaming smile and is so full of gratitude for Canada, her church, and the help she has received in establishing her new home. She exudes joy, despite the difficult times she has faced.

*not her real name; anonymized to protect her identity.