Syrian refugee families express gratitude at Winnipeg community party

Refugee families from Syria who have recently arrived in Winnipeg thanked Canadianson Saturdayduring a community party that's taking place throughout the weekend.

The families have been invited to the Easter weekend party by Hussain Guisti, who is hosting the event at the Greendell Park Community Centre in St. Vital.

The party is open to all Manitoba families and is free of charge. It began Friday and continues Sunday.

• Winnipeg man hosts Easter weekend party for families, including refugees

On Saturday, dozens of Syrian refugee children played with several large inflatable bouncy structures while their parents mingled.

"It's very comfortable. We find everything good," said Mohammad Yousif Najim, who has been in Winnipeg for a month with his wife and 1-year-old son.

"More than [what] we expect to find, so it's very good here in Canada."

Ahmad Fahad, 13, who played with his eight siblings on the bouncy castles, said he is grateful to be out of Syria.

A translator for Fahad said, "He's thanking the prime minister, the peoples. So they're [having] great fun here in this place, they're giving you their thanks."

Another group of about 300 refugees from Syria are expected to attendthe party on Sunday.