This opportunity would not have been possible if Huntsville\u2019s community did not come together and offer their generosity, thoughtfulness and support which has been overwhelming said Jodi White, an SRS member, as she thanked everyone. She also mentioned a huge thank you to all of the community members who have gone out of their way to help in a variety of ways.<\/p>\n
In particular, special thanks go to the following community supporters: United Church (manse, sponsorship organization), Dr. Litchfield (dentistry), Dr. Dempster (health care), Huntsville Public School (seamless integration and acceptance into the school system), Town of Huntsville (zoning), Mary Lynn Bastian (a condo full of furniture), the Habitat for Humanity ReStore (a kitchen installed by volunteers), Muskoka Bikes (bikes for each family member), the Verbeek family (a car), Rocky Island Tire (winter tires installed on the car), and the Nunn family (fundraising efforts).<\/p>\n
Jodi White concluded her send-off speech with a tear, saying, \u201cWe send you off to Ottawa with reluctance, with sadness, with gratitude for your friendship. We are eternally grateful for letting us in your lives, for trusting us\u2014relative strangers\u2014to guide you through your first year. We will miss you so very much.”<\/p>\n
When Jmal spoke to everyone you could hear how well his English has improved since arriving in Huntsville only speaking Arabic. He was able to share his thanks and gratitude to the community. He said it was good luck that he and his family came to this town. He gave special thanks to Huntsville Public School because now all of his children speak English and they have learned so much. Jmal concluded by saying \u201cThank you very much, my family will never forget the people of Huntsville. I have a guest house in my new home just for Huntsville family to come visit. We thank you with all our hearts.”<\/p>\n
![\"Jmal](\"https:\/\/media-doppleronline-ca.s3-accelerate.amazonaws.com\/2018\/02\/Jmal-speaks.jpg\")
Jmal thanks SRS Huntsville sponsors for helping his family<\/p><\/div>\n
When Jmal spoke with Doppler he talked about how everyone in the community were very nice and how they all helped his family. \u201cWe loved living here.”<\/p>\n
He also acknowledged the YMCA and their support with tutors to help him to learn how to speak English on a daily basis. The great opportunities, karate, piano lessons, swimming, skating and soccer provided to the family made Jmal very proud to be a part of the Huntsville community.<\/p>\n
Moving to Ottawa is important to Jmal as he has a full-time job opportunity that will allow him to take care of and provide for his five children. “It\u2019s hard, my heart is here but there is a job there.\u201d But the family will not be alone as the community they are moving to has four other Syrian families that are from the same small village where Jmal and his family are from.<\/p>\n\n\t\t