A single mother and her daughter who fled Mongolia to escape abuse could be sent back on Monday.
Ariunaa Demberel and her daughter Enky came to Canada to escape from Ariunaa’s ex-husband, Enky's father, whom she said kidnapped the two, beat them and raped her.
“It was scary, I would describe it as hell basically,” said Ariunaa.
They had no one to rely on when they got to Calgary and had to turn to the Food Bank to survive, but two years later, they are independent, with Ariunaa working three customer service jobs and even volunteering at the Food Bank.
“I like working hard. I have to pay lawyer fees and rent and bills and have to provide for my daughter,” she said.
She applied for refugee status but said she lost her case because she lacked evidence of the abuse.
“Maybe I did it wrong,” she said. “Later I found out I could have applied for humanitarian or study, maybe work permit. I still have this hope we can stay here, I'm still hoping for this miracle.”
Her daughter Enky attends Western Canada High School and dreams of a better future.
“I actually dream of building hospital, animal shelter, women's shelter, everyone in need. It just seems possible in Canada,” she said.
Now, a federal judge's ruling on Saturday will decide their fate. While they wait, they are thankful for the kindness they have found in this country.
“Even strangers, they just offer help and it's really, it's just unbelievable and that's how Canada is,” said Ariunaa. “Thank you so much, I really do appreciate it and I really love Canada.”
The judge has reserved a decision until Sunday.
