Syrian family starting in Vernon & Coldstream

Hi, my name is Steve and I've had the privilege of being a part of a group supporting a new Syrian family to Vernon & Coldstream. The Johas were welcomed at the Kelowna airport (see photo above) in October 2022 after spending nine years in Jordan. They were originally from Syria and had to flee the country as their home in Damascus was destroyed by bombing.

Basel and Duha have five children (four daughters and a son), ranging from 2 years to 14 years old. Jana has been enrolled at Kal Secondary and Alma and Sara at Kidston Elementary, with Aseel and Mohamad not yet in school . So far these brave kids have great attitudes in adapting to a new life and culture. The North Okanagan has been extremely warm and welcoming.

Some of you may know another Joha family here in Vernon (we met them as our daughters were in the same class at Silver Star Elementary), and this new family is related to them (the fathers are cousins). Zaher Joha and his family arrived in Vernon 6 years ago, and Zaher has worked hard to be able to buy his own barber shop (For Men Only Barbershop) behind Nature's Fare. He and his family have adjusted well to life in Vernon and we want to support his cousin's family now as they start out.

There are a handful of supporters who have donated time and money to provide a support structure for this new family, helping them to navigate all the things they need to learn (the English language, the bus system, the school system, etc.). They've already had some new experiences such as going trick-or-treating on Halloween and experiencing their first snowfall. As they look for employment opportunities, to eventually become self-sufficient, we want to be able to support them financially for at least a full year.

As we approach Christmas, you may want to contribute to this campaign as an extension of the gratitude you have for living in a free and safe country.

Thank you to those who have contributed or are considering doing so. Whether you are an individual, or a family, or a charitable or church group, any small or large amount will help. Or if you're unable to contribute at this time, please share this on your social media account to allow others to join the cause. And follow this campaign if you're interested in any updates as this family settles here in the North Okanagan; I'll post updates periodically.

The group that we have organized to support the Johas will make sure that the funds are dispersed 100% toward supporting them. They are given a monthly amount for living expenses and any funds left over will be the beginning of some savings for them.

Thank you to everyone who can join in helping the Johas make a new life in Canada...it takes a community to love and support this dear family.

Sincerely,

Steve, Glennis, Greg, Zaher, Duaa, Aly, and Lynn

(overseeing the support of the Johas)