Kitchener butcher creates community for Syrian newcomers
Ammar and Bashar Al-Hendi know what it's like to move to Waterloo Region from Syria - their family came to Ontario over two decades ago. Now, their butcher and grocery shop is a hotspot for newcomers from Syria and Iraq.
Ammar Halal Meats offers Middle Eastern staples like pita bread, lamb kofta and sweet halva desserts.
But the Kitchener butcher shop also has another role - helping Syrian newcomers to Waterloo Region.
Ammar and Bashar Al-Hendi, the brothers who founded the shop, are themselves Syrian immigrants to Canada. Now, alongside veal and Turkish delight, they offer translation help, advice on where to find a mosque and they're even hiring newcomers to work in their shop.
CBC Radio's Andrea Bellemare paid a visit recently and found out how being helpful has also been good for business.