The Qarquoz family (left side of photo) welcomes the Alzahran family to Sudbury. January 7/16 Photo Credit: Nick Liard
The Qarquoz family (left side of photo) welcomes the Alzahran family to Sudbury. January 7/16
Photo Credit: Nick Liard

By Angela Gemmill

The Qarquoz family has now been in Sudbury for three weeks and the Alzahran family for two weeks.

Both refugee families fled their war-torn homeland in the Middle East for a new life in Canada.

The Sudbury Multicultural & Folk Arts Association has planned a reception for tonight (6-9pm) at the Older Adult Centre on Durham Street, as a way to welcome the new citizens.

In the meantime, the Qarquoz family got some good news recently.

According to a representative from their sponsor group, St Andrew’s United Church, the grandfather has been cleared for travel.

He is expected to leave Lebanon Saturday, with an arrival in Sudbury on Sunday.

The 80-year old father of Mr. Qarquez first had passport issues and then was sick and unable to travel to his new home.