Refugees arrive next week

Photo: CTV - File photo

It's taken months of hard work, but an Iraqi refugee family will be arriving in the Okanagan next week.

Ron Brinnen, with the Armstrong Spallumcheen Refugee Project, said the family of five will be landing at Kelowna International Airport Tuesday night.

The man, wife and three children have been living in the United Arab Emirates since 2009 after Omar, the father, received numerous death threats in his home country.

Omar has been working in the UAE for the past several years, but Brinnen said his work permit ran out and it was not going to be re-issued, meaning he would be sent back to Iraq.

“His life had been threatened, so there is no way he is going to be taking his family there,” said Brinnen.

The effort to bring a refugee family to Armstrong began in January.

“It hasn't really been that long, but it seems like it's taken years,” said Brinnen.

For many groups seeking to bring refugees to the region, housing was a major stumbling block, but Brinnen and members of the ASRP managed to secure a four-bedroom residence for the family.

Donations from the community also furnished the home so it will be ready for the Iraqis to move into when they arrive.

Once the family arrives, they will be given assistance getting their SIN and medical cards.

Despite a few naysayers, Brinnen said the community has been supportive of the bringing the family to the farming community.

A community gathering is planned for Aug 21 at Municipal Park from 4-6 p.m. to welcome the new family.