New Beginnings

08/17/2026

We're so happy Zahraa and Hawraa are taking English lessons! They both have jobs, and are spending almost everything they earn on their lessons. We had a video call yesterday, with their tutor translating, and were excited to hear that at the quick rate they are learning, we'll be able to have conversations with them in a few months. They're teaching their siblings what they're learning too, which will make it so much easier when they move to Canada. Despite the war raging around them in Lebanon, they are focused on planning for a future in Newfoundland.

We are still waiting for a sponsorship spot, but in the meantime we're really enjoying getting to know this wonderful family.

ID - two girls writing on their homework assignments.

06/24/2026

Meet Hadi, Rahjat and Rehab's oldest son. He's an apprentice in a large restaurant, training to be a chef someday.
All of the children have dreams for their future but war has put their lives on hold.
We hope to bring them to Canada where they can start over and enjoy peace and security. If you'd like to help, you can click on the link in the comments.

ID - Hadi, a young Syrian man, is holding a platter of appetizers he prepared.

03/11/2026

Rahjat and Rehab and their children are so close to the bombing in Beirut that their life has become a nightmare. It really helps them to know that there are people here who care about them.

The prices have skyrocketed where they are so we are sending them money when we can. We're also raising funds to bring them to Canada, around $35,000. If you would like to help support this beautiful family you can donate through our Fundrazr account; the link is in the comments below.

ID - picture of message saying Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who asks about us. Yes, the situation is bad and the war is spreading widely, and we appreciate everyone who sympathizes with us. May God bless them.

03/02/2026

Rahjat and Rehab and their 8 children live in a tent in Lebanon, just 30 km from the border to Israel. They are just 45 km from Beirut which was bombed yesterday.

After fleeing from Syria 10 years ago, it is terrifying for them to go through this again. The only thing they look forward to is getting to Canada someday and starting a new life in peace.

If you'd like to help bring this family to Newfoundland, please donate to our Fundrazr account - link in the comments below.

ID - a screenshot of Rahjat's note today reading
We didn't sleep all night because of the Israeli airstrikes and explosions; the ground was shaking beneath us.

02/16/2026

Thanks to those who have donated to help bring Rahjat and his family to Newfoundland. They've been dreaming about coming to Canada for so many years and they are so excited we are trying to make this dream come true.

Please see our Fundrazr page in the comments below if you'd like to help.

Image description - on our computer screen is Rahjat and behind him his smiling wife, Rehab.

We really appreciate your shares!

01/26/2026

We have been following Rahjat Alksir and his family on social media for several years, wishing we could somehow help them out of their desperate situation. They've been living in a tent in Lebanon for over 10 years and are constantly in threat of bring deported with nowhere to go.

The 3 Syrian families we sponsored in the last few years have moved and are happily settled in Gander, St. John's and Ontario. We're so happy they are making new friends and new lives here, where they are safe.

This leaves the Welcome House, with 7 bedrooms, available - perfect for this family of 10. We were thrilled to meet them on FB video chat with our Syrian friends translating. The children all told us their dreams for the future. Rajat and Rehab are thrilled to see their children full of hope.

We're trying to raise 35,000 to cover the application fee (first year support) of around $26,000, plus funds to cover their expenses for the first year.
Thank you for any contribution you can make to our fundraiser below.

ID - a picture of 2 adults and their 8 children. Below the photo is the title: fundrazr.com Please help us bring the Alksirs to safety in Canada, wgich connect to the fundraiser..

Please support us by making a contribution!

10/07/2025

We are so thankful for all of you who helped in any way in this wonderful project. Many of you donated furniture, winter clothes; lots of lovely things for their new homes in Canada. They all appreciate it so much.

The third Syrian family arrived near the end of September and they think Bonavista Peninsula is a beautiful and special place. We're so happy to have them here after a long wait. They felt like family long before they arrived so its pretty awesome to be sitting across the table intead of visiting by FaceTime!

Image description - Ready to take on his new world, a young boy stands on a rock in a grassy field by the ocean with his arms spread wide.

08/07/2025

Happy 14th birthday, Sandra!

We're so happy to celebrate your first birthday in Canada with you.

ID - Layla, Sandra and Karen standing in front of a table with plates of food.

07/31/2025

The Elhamidi family have moved to St. John's where it will be easier for Luay to find work.
We enjoyed having them here and wish them all the best in the big city!

ID - Omer, Ragad and Sehd on the beach in Keels, each with rocks in their hands, standing in front of a small cliff.

07/29/2025

Come meet Layla at the local craft sale this Friday! You can get her sweet creations at the Plate Cove Recreation Craft sale at the Plate Cove Community Church/Community Center.

ID - crocheted creations including 3 octopus, ducks, crocheted characters, little hats and collars for pets and Santa ornaments.