by The first family of Syrian refugees has arrived in Cape Breton.
The plane carrying the 33-year-old father, 25-year-old mother, and four children between the ages of one and seven touched down at the Sydney McCurdy Airport early, this morning.
About 20 people were on hand to greet the family shortly after 1 o’clock.
They’ll be staying in Marion Bridge with husband and wife Stephen Read and Irene Grezel until they pick out their new home.
Read says getting the family to Cape Breton was the easy part but adds the real work will involve making them feel a part of the community.
Lifeline Syria Cape Breton spokesperson Amanda McDougall says the family members seemed overwhelmed by the experience as they shook everyone’s hands and smiled.
She adds it was the youngest daughter’s birthday and she was brought a balloon and a card along with the welcome packages prepared for the family.
North Sydney and Port Hood are the next Cape Breton communities expected to be getting Syrian families but MacDougall adds about 20 families could arrive in Cape Breton over the next several months.