Help the Al Assaf's start a new life in Kelowna

Ten years ago, Syria was a prosperous, developing country when a cry for democracy rang out. Syria's authoritarian leader didn’t like it and he tried to silence it with bombs, bullets and poisonous gas raids on businesses, hospitals and schools. A full fledged civil war broke out and Syrian families were forced to flee to neighbouring countries. In their flight, families were separated and livelihoods lost. Such was the case for the Al Assaf family. Hasan his wife Ghadeer and their three small children fled to Jordan where they survived for nearly ten years.

 

Hasan received a college diploma as an Electrician’s Assistant in Syria. He opened his own automotive repair shop in 1993, specializing in electrical and computer problems. When the family fled to Jordon in 2012, Hasan supported his family by doing household plumbing and electric repairs, painting, and later he used these skills in new construction. The family lived in "apartments" which we would call containers. These containers were parked in tight rows with a “bathroom” that served about 6-8 families. The women tried to beautify these modest units with what was affordable. In Jordan, Syrians were considered aliens. So the kids weren’t entitled to attend the better government schools where the standard of education was on par with North America. The kids were forced to go to a poorer school where there were kidnapping attempts in the school yard. After the kids witnessed this, they were home schooled.

 

On September 23rd, Hasan and his family arrived in Kelowna thanks to a small group of independent sponsors. Hasan and Ghadeer are extremely hard workers. Their children are well-behaved, bright and anxious to go to school. The boys love riding bicycles and are hoping to play extracurricular sports, like soccer. Their teenage daughter is keen to learn anything that’s artistic.

 

Due to the increase in the cost of living and limitations on fundraising due to the pandemic we are seeking support from the community to help the Al Assaf family survive their first year in Kelowna. Please help us by donating what you can. 

 

Thank you!

Mike & Sheri Johnston; Faye & Don Cyr; Anwar & Samaher Al Assaf