As Syria’s humanitarian crisis unfolded, Alaa and Nabil Al Hawa made the painful decision to flee with their children, Mohamad, 15, Assia, 12, Omama, 8, and Nawras, 4. “It was a hard leap to get to this new life in Canada,” says Nabil.

But they quickly started to make connections in their new community, joining the Cooper Koo Family YMCA with support from our financial assistance program.

At the Y, the whole family swims together; Nabil volunteers at the front desk; and Mohamad is making friends through our free Newcomer Youth Leadership Development program.

For the first time in a long time, the Al Hawa kids just get to be kids. “Our ambition is to build a good future here in Canada,” says Alaa. Nabil agrees: “Our children belong, they can be happy, successful, and contribute. Here, anything is possible.”