Ahmed Ibrahim  Vice President of the Ottawa Mosque | Volunteer | Private sponsor

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Ahmed and his family and friends had sponsored six refugee families over the last several years. When the Syrian crisis started, they brought that number to seven.

“To start your own sponsorship, the first rule is don’t be afraid. They are humans, like you. They have their own hearts, they have their own kids, they have their own needs.”

The first rule is don’t be afraid.

The family that I sponsored with a few friends and my wife, they are a father, a mother and three wonderful kids. They are progressing in their life. They feel they are at home. They feel safe and at home with no stress over their hearts. They are no longer scared of the next day, of what will happen to them, their kids, their life, a week or month from now. I see them now as my family. They are forever part of my life now.

Everyone in Ottawa was standing behind this initiative, to welcome the newcomers and show them a new life in their new home. I felt a real sense of belonging. This is what touched my heart.”

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For an overview of private sponsorship and to learn more about key players in Ottawa visit the Refugee 613 sponsorship page here.