New Canadian Family Struck with Tragedy

My name is Heidi Coombs, I am part of the sponsorship group for a New Canadian family here in Newfoundland -- the Al Sherifs.

On June 2nd, their youngest son -- 7-year old Mohamad -- was out riding his bike, enjoying a warm summer day, when his life was cut tragically short. This little child, the apple of his mother's eye, was hit by a car in the east end of St. John’s. He suffered extensive injuries and, after two days in intensive care, he succumbed to those injuries. This week has been agonizing for his family. Everyone is devastated.

The Al Sherifs are the kindest and most courageous people you will ever meet. They arrived in Newfoundland in 2016, after leaving their home in a war-torn country. They began creating a new life for themselves here in St. John’s and have become beloved in the community. They had already experienced so much tragedy in their lives before they arrived here, and now tragedy has struck again and their little boy is gone.

Many people have asked how they can support the Al Sherifs during this difficult time. The family now find themselves overwhelmed with funeral costs and expenses that they never imagined. If you can spare anything at all to help the family, they would be forever grateful.

On behalf of the family, we – the Al Sherifs’ sponsorship family -- thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.

Paul Gauci

Lori & Colin Greene

Elizabeth & Brad Beckett

Kerry-Lynn Coombs

Jennifer Crummey

Anna Stassis

Heidi Coombs

There was a lovely tribute to Mohamad in the Telegram, accessible here: Remembering Mohammed Al Sherif