Thunder Bay greets Syrian refugee family with signs, flowers

A family of six Syrian refugees was greeted with a warm welcome Friday by local residents at Thunder Bay International Airport.

Members of the Right to Refuge group from the Grassroots Church sponsored the family and wereamong dozens in attendance to introduce the newcomers to Canada.

Nassim Al Kweyder, his wife and four childrenarrived to a bouquetof flowers, a plush teddy bear and welcoming signs with messages written in Arabic and English.

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The father of four said he was thrilled with the reception his family received in Canada after escaping their war-torn country.

"They're amazed," AlKweyder said through a translator. "They did not expect any of this, and they're very surprised and they're thankful that they're in Thunder Bay surrounded with all these nice people."

The newcomers could be seen holding a Tim Hortons cup and sporting winter attire as they left the airport, which is much needed considering the high of -21 C Friday in Thunder Bay.

The organization that sponsored the family said they are providing a furnished house and support to the family as they adjust to their new life in Canada.