Sierra Leone family adjusts to Winnipeg winter

While Winnipeggers have endured months of bitter cold, one family is struggling to adjust after arriving in the city from Sierra Leone just eight days ago.

Gibril Bangura, his wife and three children fled from the African country as refugees, and according to Bangura, are thrilled to be here despite the weather.

Canada is our home now. It is our home now, and I am proud to say that, said Bangura.

Bangura is a pastor and an artist who worked with orphans and street children before he came to Winnipeg.

When his family first arrived, his children were thrilled to see the snow. They ran out of the airport to play in it.

It was a very serious culture shock, he said.

Now, theyre relying on donations of coats, boots and mitts to keep warm.

We are doing our best emotionally to adjust. We want to make use of every advantage that is thrown at us, go through every program -- just to be able to integrate very well, said Bangura.

Bangura and his family are living at Welcome Place and will soon move into a co-op housing apartment.

He said he hopes he can begin to give back to the community soon.