This past weekend our friend, Roxana Toledo, was attacked and robbed on the street in Ecuador. The man snatched the backpack from her, but the mother of two didn't give up so easily.

She held on to the backpack for dear life because inside it was her passport, other important legal documents that she needs in order to stay in Ecuador, money (all the money she had on her name, which was about 50 USD), her mobile phone and clothes (the only shoes she had and the only jumper, which she needs for the fresh climate). We could say that all her life was inside that backpack.

And that's why we're here, humbly asking for a little support.

The man then whacked a big beer bottle over her head because Roxana desperately held on to her backpack. Blood came gushing down her face but she didn't back down. She shouted and screamed hoping that someone on the street would hear her and help. But no one came out. She shouted at the man, pleading him to at least give back her passport and documents. The man reacted by smashing the beer bottle on a wall, threatening to do worse if she came closer.



She called the police and they went on a search. But they couldn't find the guy. The chances for her to get back those documents are slim to none. Now she is without shoes, jumper, money, important legal documents and her passport. But why is this an emergency?

About Roxana
Roxana comes from Venezuela. She was a proud business owner, mother and overall hard worker. Due to the extreme hyperinflation in Venezuela, she lost nearly all her money, savings, business, etc. She wasn't able to continue working because the money she made one day, would become worthless within a few days, meaning operational costs couldn't be paid for with the profits she made.
However, what forced her to leave the country was the extreme danger. Venezuela has become incredibly dangerous because of the increasing poverty due to corruption and bad government management. Kidnappings, murders and being held at gunpoint was becoming the norm. Fearing for the safety of her children, she and her family fled the country.

Living in Ecuador
Roxana is now living in Loja, in the south of Ecuador with her family. She's been here a little over 6 months, has a job, is working hard and making ends meet. If it wasn't for some benefactors, she would still be sleeping on the floor without a mattress or pillow, like the first months when she arrived. It is by no means easy but she's surviving and able to put a roof over her family's head and food on the table (most days). She was also in the process of getting her visa.

Here in Ecuador, the minimum wage is less than 400 USD a month. Now, imagine having to pay for the rent (over 100 USD), food, water and electricity, transportation, school fees, etc. Not so easy.
On top of that, she needs to pay for her visa (250 USD) and now, a new passport. Getting a new passport from Venezuela isn't cheap. It will cost her 400$ to get it in a timely manner. It costs that much because corruption is high. So those that pay a little extra will receive their passport at the speed any 1st world citizen gets under normal circumstances. Is that fair? No. But that's the hard truth when you're poor in a poor country.

Sometimes the world can be a harsh and cruel environment. We are doing this because we don't want her to give up on the world. We want Roxana to know that there are good people out there, that do care. And, that there are people that believe in her, who are willing to help her get back on her feet.

This is a mother fighting to survive and with your support, you can loosen the financial rope around her neck. With the money you donate, you will be able to help her pay for these things that so many people take for granted. You will give her a break from all the challenges she's been having. The gratitude she will have, simply knowing that there are some good people out there, giving without wanting anything in return, will give her the strength she needs to continue. It will give her the strength and the financial support to get back on her feet and to stay in the country.

The money will be specifically used for:

Passport: 400 USD
Visa/documents: 250 USD
Basic Healthcare to recover from the injury: 2 00 USD

That's 850 USD or 750 Euros.

Any additional money raised will go toward shoes, jumper, food and rent for this month.

This is an emergency, the money is needed as soon as possible.

Thank you for your time, support, compassion, and understanding. Your donation will make a huge impact on Roxana's life.