Syrian refugees arrive safely in Calgary

The hallway outside arrival gate B at the Calgary Airport was full of balloons, flowers, anxiety and excitement, asabout two dozen people waited for the first glimpse offamily members arriving from Beirut onThursday afternoon.

"We're so excited, but sad that theywere forced to leave," said Tamara Zugeb, who waswaiting for her sister, brother-in-law, and their fourkids.

"At least they will be safe, the kids will get to go back toschool, and they will have a warm place to sleep in."

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Zugebsays the family wasliving in a government controlledarea of Syria's capital, Damascus,which meant they were still able to get food, but asChristians living in a Christian areathey were the target of extremists.

The familyeventually fled to Beirut a couple of years ago to live with relatives,but even thereZugebworried for their safety.

"Anything could happen because the whole area is not safe now...they havemore chances to die than live, right?" she said.

Thank you,Canada

When she finally spottedhersisterRaniathrough the glass doors,Zugeb startedto cry.Her sisterdoesn't speak much English, but she managedto express hergratitude.

"Thank you for Canada.Thank you," shesaid.

In all, 14Syrian refugees arrived in Calgary on Thursday, sponsored through theCalgary Catholic Immigration Society and localCatholic parishes.

"The whole situation with refugees is getting worse and worse, we are just so glad in Calgary we can help some," saidFariborzBirjandian, CEO of theCalgary Catholic Immigration Society.

Other ways to help

Birjandian says his organization has applied to support a total of380Syrian refugeesoverthe past threeyears. So far107 have arrivedwith another16 expectedlater this month. That's just throughprivate sponsorships.

He saysthe organization has also brought another 23 Syrian refugees to Calgary througha government-sponsored program.

"I know getting involved and doinga sponsorship, which is a very complicated process, may not be something everybody is able to do,"said Birjandian.

"Peoplejustsimply can become their friend, they can provide food, resources for school, they can contribute to the rent of the family,anything can help."

In fact, he sayshousing will be one of the bigger issues in Calgary as more refugees arrive, and he's been working with the federal government and city officials trying to plan for the increased numbers.