Dear Friends,

The Ziyadeh family arrived in Canada on July 21st with just four suitcases containing all that they owned. Now, over two months later, they are happily settled in a fully furnished apartment. Thanks to you and many other individuals, the family has received so many donations, all of which have made their transition to Canada, a successful and smooth journey.

I sent out a request in June, asking for your help. Your kindness and generosity have been astounding! Our collection of donations was huge- including clothes, bedding, a couch, a dresser, a bedside table, a mirror, bikes, an air conditioning unit, lamps, artwork, gift cards for groceries, gift cards for clothing, kitchen supplies, DVDs and a dollhouse. We couldn’t have done it without you! Many, many thanks- you have made an enormous difference!!

The family is living in a spacious two-bedroom apartment at Kipling and Eglinton on Warrender Ave. Our resettlement team moved them in, on Saturday July 23rd- a VERY hot day. Everyone got down to work, unpacking, cleaning, sorting, making beds, arranging furniture, installing electronics, and filling the fridge. While two team leaders helped Dany and Sanaa set-up their bank account at the near-by CIBC, the rest of the team got ready for the big reveal. I am sure we all had tears in our eyes, as they walked in and saw their new home for the first time. Remarkably, the furniture all matched (area rug and art work too), the bedrooms looked like a Pottery Barn advertisement and the kitchen was stocked to overflowing. This family, who had fled their home in Syria and lived as refugees in Jordan for 3 ½ years, now had a new home.

Dany had a job offer within a week of arrival, at Assured Auto-Body, as a paint-prepper. He is being trained, is learning quickly and is motivated to be successful. Sanaa is taking ESL class full time and is making friends. The girls, Meritta (11) and Silina (6) are attending school at St. Gregory’s Catholic School and are very happy. Dany and Sanaa are taking ESL lessons with a tutor 4 nights a week using Facetime. They have dear friends who they met in Jordan and are now living in Mississauga. They spend a lot of time together and support each other as they get used to life far from home.

They arrived with very low English skills, yet they have already learned so much, so quickly. At first we relied on the Google Translate AP, yet now they understand simple, slow sentences. It is remarkable how quickly they are catching on. They are determined, positive, motivated and smart.

Our resettlement team has been an amazing group to work with. Everyone had a job and we all delivered. We all genuinely care for this family and for all of us; it has been a rewarding experience and opportunity to be on this journey with them. Our team is still by their side, helping out, as needed, yet giving the family enough space to find their way. They left their family back in Syria and their friends are scattered all over the world. Our team will do our best to fill these gaps in their lives.

I am often asked, what else do they need? As the cool weather arrives, winter clothing is at the top of the list. Just a few days ago, Dany asked me when snow was coming. It was a breezy 20 c and they were cold- just wait! Here are their sizes, in case you are cleaning out your closet and have warm clothes to donate: Silena, girl’s size 6/8, shoe size child’s 2; Meritta, girl’s size 12/14, shoe size women’s 7; Sanaa, woman’s size 6/ small, shoes size women’ s 7; and Dany, men’s size small/medium, shoe size men’s 9.

Toys, books, DVDs and learning materials are also very welcome. Recently the girls were given a beautiful Calico Critters dollhouse and were absolutely delighted, as they have never had anything like it. They have had very few toys in their lifetime and they love to play.

Thank you so much for helping out this family! It is truly a success story and we should all feel proud of the efforts being made in Canada to help Syrian refugee families. Your contribution has made a big difference in the lives of the Ziyadeh family and they are very thankful. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!

Kindest regards,

Lianne

PS: Here is a picture our resettlement team along with the family.