Syrian family looks forward to reunion with daughter but will have to wait until after Christmas Day

A Syrian family was among a group of 89 refugees welcomed at Toronto's Armenian Community Centre but they will have to wait until after Christmas to see their daughter.

Fourteen-year-old Garen Ikezian says his family fled harsh conditions in Aleppo and lived in Lebanon for one month before coming to Canada.

Buthis 26-year-old sister remains in Lebanon because of a problemwith paperwork.

"The documents got separated so unfortunately she couldn't come with us here."

Garen's family plans to start anew life in London, Ontario where he is looking forward to starting school.

His sister is expected to arrive in Toronto on Saturday just after Christmas Day.

Nevertheless, they say they feel very lucky to have been sponsored by relatives to come to Canada.

"I need to look straight forward to my future here in Canada," he said. "We really thank the Canadian government."

Over the last 10days, the centre has welcomed more than 300 newcomers as part of the federal government's plan to take in a total of 25,000 people fromSyria by March.