Anas Fransis and Laila Saeed

welcome centre: Fransis ran out to greet them, twirling his cousins and embracing the adults, according to The Chronicle Herald. His grandmother, Laila Saeed, was the last one through the door, her face wet with tears. Anas Fransis and his mother were at the welcome centre near the airport to welcome Francis’ uncle and his wife, their two teenage daughters and Fransis’ grandmother, who were among the 161 privately-sponsored refugees to make the trip from Beirut to Canada aboard a government aircraft. They’ll be here for Christmas, they’ll be here for New Year’s, said Fransis, who came to Canada from Syria in 2008. His 13-year-old cousin Laila Beylouneh was excited for her family new start. Their arrival is a Christmas present…a real Christmas present. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.