Welcome, Daas family!
"She feels that people love them and there is no hate".
Hugs, kisses, welcome signs. Winnipeg's international airport had it all when the Daas family — mom, dad and seven kids ranging in age from two to 19 — landed on December 19.
The Syrians had been living in a Lebanese refugee camp since fleeing their country three-and-a-half years ago.
One of the people on hand to greet them was Ray Loewen, who spearheaded their refugee sponsorship.
"When a new family like this arrives, we get to see Manitoba and Canada again through their eyes for the first time," he said.
"And you realize how blessed we are to live in the country we do," he added.
The Daas family was relieved to arrive and didn't seem deterred by the snowy weather.
Said Salwa Yagoub, translating for 15-year-old Nada Dass, "She feels that people love them and there is no hate."
You can hear the full story behind the Daas family's arrival and the small town that took them in — Altona, Man. — on CBC Radio's DNTO, Saturday, January 9 at 3 p.m.