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The Friends of Syria Group arranged for six busloads of Syrian refugees to be brought to the Port Lands in Toronto to welcome them to Canada and help them make new friends during this exciting but difficult transition.

The day was filled with activities for kids, food, and singing of the Canadian National Anthem. Volunteers spent days collecting new and used clothing, food, bedding sets, and furniture to give to the families in need.

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For many, this was the first time newcomers met other Syrian refugees since they arrived in Canada.

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2:20 McCallum praises corporate sponsors for helping relieve housing issues for Syrian refugees McCallum praises corporate sponsors for helping relieve housing issues for Syrian refugees

Syrian Refugee, Manal Alomour, has been living in Canada for four months with her family of seven. She said she would sacrifice anything for her kids to live a happy and safe life, even if that means relocating.

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“First of all I want to say thanks to Canada,” Alomour said through her translator Qusai Albaroudi.

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“She immigrated first to Jordan, and they’ve been facing many problems there,” Alomour’s translator said. “She said we heard really good stuff about Canada, so we decided to go there, we applied.”

Many refugees who attended the event hadn’t left their homes for two months, as they live on the outskirts of the city and transportation costs can be expensive.

“We’re creating a group that will work together,” said Michael Homsi, managing director for Friends of Syria. “We will work with them, create a unit that will be the future ambassador for the Syrian refugee.”