Sebastian and Amparo: a story of struggle, faith and second chances

I came from Chile to New Zealand in April 2023 with my daughter Amparo, who is now six, and her mother. We arrived full of hope, seeking a better life. I obtained a three-year work visa through a company called Buildhub, but adapting to a new language, culture, low pay, and high costs was extremely difficult. I earned between $1,300 and $1,500 NZD every two weeks. After eight months, my partner left, and two months later the company went bankrupt. I lost my job and my visa, and my life changed overnight.

In January 2024, I was violently attacked in front of my daughter. He punched me and left me unconscious. I suffered a concussion, memory loss, vomiting, and severe dizziness. Despite his past deportation in 2019, he faced no serious consequences in New Zealand and only paid a small portion of my medical costs.

Since then, I have lived in my car, struggling to survive and remain present in my daughter’s life. I drive 200 km every Sunday to spend a few precious hours with Amparo, cooking, playing, and making her laugh despite our hardships. I continue to fight with hope, love, and determination, dreaming of a safe and stable life for my daughter. I need help to cover the cost of a new work visa and rebuild a life where Amparo can feel secure and happy. Every contribution brings us closer to a brighter future together, giving us hope, stability, and a chance to heal.