Sudbury welcomes second family of Syrian refugees

Morning North3:57Sudbury's second Syrian refugee family has arrived

There were lots of hugs and excitement as Sudbury welcomed its second family of Syrian refugees at the airport. The CBC's Marina von Stackelberg was there and joined other reporters in speaking with two of the people behind the private sponsorship.

Sudbury welcomed its second group of Syrian refugees—the Alzahran family of nine— Thursday afternoon at the airport.

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The family consists of two parents, two little girls and five boys, ranging in age from three to 18-years-old.

The father, who spoke through a translator, said they family are hoping for the best in their new home.

"He wanted them to go to university in Canada. He came to Canada for them, for a better future for his children," said the translator on behalf of the father.

When asked what his family thought of the snow, the father told reporters the snow is bright, like the hearts of Canadians.

The Alzahran family was privately sponsored through a committee of Christian groups in Capreol and Valley East.

A home has been set up for them in a rectory at a Catholic church in Capreol.

The first family of Syrian refugees, who arrived in Sudbury on New Year's Eve, was on hand to welcome the newcomers.