Family of Syrian refugees arrive to begin new life in Cochrane

A family of Syrian refugees arrived at the Calgary airport on Tuesday,to build a new life in Cochrane.

Bringing the Kudmous family to Alberta was a group effort spearheaded by the Calgary Catholic Immigration Society with help from Cochrane residents and students at a local high school.

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Calgary Catholic Priest Father Ephram Kardouh who knew the family when he used to live in Syria translated for Carden Kudmous as the mother of four young girls expressed her gratitude.

"She felt as if she's in her country, and she loved the people and the way they received them, and thank you for everything. They are very grateful," he said.

The Kudmous's are the first Syrian refugees to move to Cochrane.

They will be living in a fully-furnished townhouse, thanks to the local fundraising effort.

Joseph Kudmous says he's relieved his wife and children will now live in a safe place.

Natalie Power, one of the students at Cochrane High School who organized the fundraising effort for the family, said the experience has been very fulfilling.

"It's been one of the most amazing days of my life and I will never forget it," she said.