Reunite a Syrian Family in Canada

#‎SyrianFamilyRescue‬
SyrianFamilyRescue.wordpress.com

If you're tired of being heartbroken by the plight of Syrian refugees, here's an opportunity to save one family.

My name is Deana Brynildsen, I am a long-time resident of New Westminster, BC, Canada.  For some background on me:  For 15 years, I worked overseas for the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs (in Pakistan, Kenya, Peru, Kuwait and China) and the Office of the High Representative for Bosnia & Herzegovina in Sarajevo.  I am now mostly retired but work part-time for the City of New Westminster.  I am also a volunteer tutor with the I-Care Literacy Program at Douglas College.    

I'd like to introduce you to one particular family that needs your help.


I want you to know Mohammed Alsaleh, a 26-year-old Syrian who came to Canada a year ago, all by himself, as a UNHCR-vetted, Canadian Government-approved refugee. I was touched by a story about him in the local newspaper (read it here) , especially something he said about not knowing five Canadians, and I felt compelled to reach out and try to help.


Since the story was published, Mohammed's mother and siblings have fled Syria to escape attacks on their city, Al-Hassakeh, by a terrorist organization (whose name we aren't permitted to mention).

The terrorist attacks were the final straw, as they were already living in deplorable conditions from years of civil war.

Schools in their city were closed so Mohammed's mom, a 3rd grade teacher, lost her livelihood. Shahad, the 5th grader, lost her schooling. The local university had been almost destroyed, forcing Noor, the civil engineering junior, to suspend her education. Mandatory military service to defend the regime of the dictator was looming for Ahmad.

Noor in her classroom at Al-Furat University

There was nothing left for the family in Syria. In November, they fled to Turkey and have taken refuge in the Turkish city of Adana. Mohammed is desperate to bring them to safety in Canada.

The funds we're raising will be used to sponsor Mohammed's family and to support them with living expenses for their first year in Canada. For a family of four, the Canadian Government requires that private sponsors raise a minimum of $30K to provide shelter, food, and emotional & social support for the family for a year.

The funds will be held in a Trust Account at VanCity Credit Union.

I will be personally responsible for disbursing the funds to the family as required, primarily after their arrival in Canada, but also to secure accommodation before their arrival.

If you're in Metro Vancouver and would prefer to donate directly to the Trust Account for Mohammed's family, please drop by any VanCity credit union location. The account number is 925545-59. Sorry, but deposits cannot be made by electronic fund transfer -- only in person at a VanCity Branch.

When I asked Mohammed if he thought $30K would be enough, he said that even if they had to sleep on the floor in one room, if they were together and had running water and a toilet that flushed, and they felt safe and no longer had to fear for their lives, he would be the happiest man in the world.

Mohammed’s story was recently featured on Shaw TV (Vancouver)

All donations, big or small, will be gratefully received.   'Tis the season of goodwill towards men ... and women and children.  Thank you for your gifts and for sharing this with your friends and family.