Urgent support for a French former Legionnaire in New Zealand

Yash, a young man from Toulouse, arrived in New Zealand in 2024 with the hope of building a fresh start. A former member of the French Foreign Legion (2012–2017), he has always embodied courage, discipline, and resilience.

In 2025, he secured a Working Holiday Visa and threw himself into integrating, working hard, and creating a stable future. But despite his determination, life took a difficult turn. After juggling several short-term and precarious jobs, a long-awaited sponsored visa fell through at the very last moment. Overnight, Yash lost his job — and soon after, his housing. With no safety net, he found himself living in his car, without resources or support.

Orphaned and with no family support, Yash is facing this situation alone .Isolated and exhausted, he’s going through one of the hardest moments of his life.

Thankfully, a French citizen and the French Emergency Assistance Aotearoa recently stepped in, offering him much needed help and encouragement. Their support has allowed him to hold on and keep hope alive.

Today, Yash’s goal is simple and deeply human: to return to France, rebuild his life, and start again.

We are reaching out to your generosity to help him cover basic needs — food, temporary accommodation, and essential expenses — until his return ticket is arranged. Every contribution, no matter the amount, will make a real and immediate difference.

Thank you sincerely for your kindness, your compassion, and your solidarity.