Let´s build Canada´s first Refugee dating App!

I am Ray. I am refugee in Canada, and ----a human being.

I am very thankful for the generosity of the Canada people and its government thus far.

Refugees, asylum seekers (whatever name you fancy to call them) wherever they come from, have crossed rivers, some dodged bullets, some braved the trauma of rape, ran away from brutal threats or kicked out of their homes in midnight.

After thousands of miles, by fate they find themselves here in Canada, trying to breathe, collect the pieces of their lives and wanting to make sense of a new weather, food, laws, language or how to board the Metro bus on the right side of the road.

On top of that, they must supress thoughts of loved ones, spouses, fiances, children, parents hastily left behind acroass the oceans in Africa, Asia, the Middle East or wherever.

This can invite traumatic stress into the lives of newly arrived refugees in Canada and lead some into lives of excessive drinking, sucidal thoughts, damaging loniless and and utter lack of purpose in life.

This leads me to why i am here-----LOVE. Apart from excellent integration, job opportunities, peace, education, healthcare or smiles that Canada provides (again i am thankful) - refugees/asylum seekers need LOVE. To fall in love again, find a partner, a companion, someone to talk to, a partner to unload your deepest worries and express your merriest hugs and joys. AND it is not easy for asylum seekers to fall in love.

My own experience as a refugee on dating Apps in Canada can relate to many. First a dating app asks for $ subscription to make you participate on a dating app - and as a refugee you are just short of money. Then, by heaven´s luck, you hook up with a potential fiancee online. Pleasantries begin, and "hiii i like your profile pictures." Warm feelings of mutual love develop. And you tell her ---"one thing, babes (dear) i am an asylum seeker, a refugee. Does that concern you if we date?"

You never hear from the suitor again. "Asylum seeker/refugee" . They are put off by the name tag. They block you forever.

Several potential date replied me, changed the tone of their voices - "Refugee, asylum seeker? I hope you dont want to date me just to get papers and money."

Feeeling humiliated, i discontinued the conversations.

Another date blew away my spirit. On realising i am a "refugee" they created two profiles - one of them, the other of their mum - and pretended to be one person. I chatted with both assuming these are two different personalities. A Whatsapp videocall later, i see them blurry, starring at me inside a car, mum and daughter and i was left with an egg on face.

These are the realities and anguish of trying to date when you are a refugee. A cloud of suspicion follows you and potential dates dont easily give you a chance at love.

Which means----help me raise money to design "Canada´s first Refugee Dating App", an online App where refugees among themselves can find dates, love and companionship by scrolling and chatting within their communities, at their level first. This App wont be restricted to refugees and asylum seekers only. All people of all stations in Canada are free to find dates, love and companionship on this App.

Well, this is my unique way to contributing to community harmony and integration.

Your donation will help fund a designers, website hosting fees and intial layout for domain name registration etc.

Thank you. Merci.