Refugee family arrives in B.C. with help from volunteers – BC | 24CA News
A household that fled the Taliban in Afghanistan has arrived in B.C. because of the assistance of some caring volunteers on Vancouver Island.
Michelle Downey, head of the volunteer group from Campbell River, advised Global News seven of ten relations of the Ahmadi household had lastly arrived in Comox.
“For the last two years, we have been working on (getting) the family (here). They have been hiding from the Taliban,” Downey mentioned.
“The family was literally being hunted by the Taliban. We got them into Pakistan and we have helped them stay in hiding.
“We are beyond disbelief the family is finally here.”
Gul Ahmadi, his spouse, and their 5 little women arrived safely in B.C. on Saturday.
The head of the Ahmadi household was allegedly killed by the Taliban after refusing at hand over his daughter for marriage in 2021. The Ahmadi household has been in fixed movement ever since, shifting from place to position in each Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Gul took over as the top of the household when his father was killed.
Thanks to Downey, a assist group was rapidly organized to convey the household to Canada and out of hurt’s manner.
This concerned, partly, elevating greater than $69,000 as per the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada necessities. The group additionally offered monetary support to maintain the household going whereas they had been unable to work.
Gul’s sister, mom and brother are anticipated to reach subsequent week as effectively.
“I can’t tell you how happy I am,” Downey mentioned. “It’s been miracle after miracle.”
Downey mentioned the tough technique of restoration and coping with trauma comes subsequent.
“We are concerned about so many years of severe PTSD and trauma … so we have a lot ahead of us still,” Downey mentioned.
Sayed Ahmadi, Gul’s older brother who lives in California, was additionally in Comox to welcome arriving relations.
“I am super happy … There has been a lot of support,” he mentioned.
“(They) were in a bad situation … they saved (their) lives.”
Sayed mentioned there is no such thing as a higher feeling than seeing his relations arrive secure.
“It’s freedom … it’s freedom.”
The household shall be residing in Campbell River and have the assist of their volunteer group, endlessly.
© 2023 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
