Welcome to a new Canadian baby!

We have joyful news to share!  Anwar and Nour are the proud parents of a beautiful baby boy!

Ahmed was born in November and mother and child (and father!) are doing well.  He is a blessing to his parents and to us all. 

The members of St. Dominic Parish were generous with their treasure and provided the young family with many gifts, supplies and necessities for the baby.  He is well positioned to begin his life as a Canadian. 



The Thirteenth Month


The St. Dominic's Refugee Committee has been working with Nour and Anwar since August 2016.  Our sponsorship was for a year so we are planning a good transition for them after what we call 'the 13th month'.   Working with the diocese of Hamilton, we are ensuring they are ready: housing, budget, work and education.


We want them to be successful!


Friendships have grown between team members and our family.  Those friendships will continue to the degree that everyone wants them too. 


Anwar has a full time job and continues to attend English as a Second Language.  He has really done well with his new language.  Nour also attends classes and continues to grow her skills.  Two committee members assist them during the week with personal language coaching.  


After reviewing the rental market, it has been decided that their present apartment is their best option for the foreseeable future.  They have developed friendships and supportive relationships with others in the building.  Everyone needs a social network. 


Nour and Anwar endured the Canadian winter - now they can enjoy a Canadian Summer!

St. Dominic Refugee Committee Newsletter, January 2017

• Anwar celebrated a birthday was this month and the Committee honoured that with a cake and refreshments.  His first birthday in Canada!
• Nour and Anwar have each moved up a level in their English Language Training.  This is significant because it is very difficult to advance a whole level in such a short time.
  

  

  
  
• Sharon performed in a variety show at the Queen Elizabeth Park Community Centre and met John McCallum, the Federal Minister of Refugees and Immigration.  He thanked us for sponsoring our couple from Syria.  We in turn, thank the parish for their support!
• Good news - The Federal government will not require refugees to pay their travel and immigration screening expenses. 
• A used sewing machine was provided by a parishioner.  Nour was shown how to use it by Judy, accompanied by our team translator, Nayer. Thanks to you all.
  

  

  
  
• Our family will need to be self-supporting in August so employment is important.  A company in Oakville that has provided Anwar a part-time opportunity to work and earn an hourly wage.  He will be able to continue the very important English Language classes.  The committee worked hard to find the right combination of hours, bus routes, ESL schedule and location to make this happen.
• Thank you to Carpet Warehouse for donating an area rug to cozy up their apartment. Canada must seem very cold to our newcomers!
• Health is important and the team is ensuring they get the medical and dental care they need.
• We are planning to take Nour and Anwar to the Syrian History Exhibit at the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto in February in order to deepen our appreciation of their ancient culture. Learn more about the exhibit here: Aga Khan Museum Syrian Exhibit
• https://www.agakhanmuseum.org/syria-living-history