FOCUS - MAY 2018 33 in Syria, and then he worked as a contractor in Lebanon. Now, he has started his own business, AG Tiling. He does ceramic tile, dry walling, taping and painting. “He’s very good, very skilled,” Kathy commented. “I would highly recommend him.” Khalid, 15, got a part-time job at Vos’ Independent Grocers. Over 130 people attended the potluck dinner held on March 9 to cel- ebrate the one-year anniversary of the arrival of the four local Syrian families. “It was a great night,” said Kathy, adding that everyone gave thank- you speeches in English. Sponsoring the refugees was “com- munity building,” Kathy said. “This is one of the most rewarding things I have ever done. It makes you look at where you live with different eyes.” Ahmed commented that they like the scenery and walking by Lake Scugog, even though the cold winter weather was a bit of a shock. And so are the prices of groceries and other items. Everyone is so friendly, they agreed, and people keep phoning just to check if they need help with any- thing. The children are doing well, socially and at school. All three sib- lings are good at math, like their Dad. Khalid, 15, “thought high school would be hard but it hasn’t been. It was easy to make friends.” He plays on the Port Perry High School rugby team, and he enjoys PlayStation with his new friends. Left, Ahmed Ghilan and his wife Rehab Alfares are loving life in Port Perry with their three children and fourth one on they way. M a r i a m hopes to be a doctor on e d a y . A b d u l l ah likes to swim and ea t K F C ! K h a l i d, the oldest son, plays r u g b y . ...................... Please turn to page 34 A New Leash on Life Proud sponsors of Port Perry SmartCentre 905-985-3223 Sunday May 27 Port Perry SmartCentre To join the walk or donate to the cause, please call our store at 905-985-3223. This is a rain or shine event! We know a lot of people supported Humboldt Strong on Thursday April 12 by wearing jerseys, and acting Postmaster Heather Garvock shared her photo with us! The staff of Canada Post got behind this idea, spawned by Tammy Hall. SCUGOG STRONG! Back row, from left to right: Debbie Wray, Larraine St.Thomas, Heather Garvock, Sharon Robinson, Debbie Rogowski,Tom Huzar, Doris Grandel, Karen Gledhill. Front row: Derek Beare, Uliana Lomagno, Lindsey Donovan, Lori Zenglein and Tammy Hall.