Canadian couple cancels their wedding to sponsor Syrian refugee family

Canada: Many countries displayed there intolerant, negative and rigid approach to the plight of the refugees. At least 31 state governors have declared their intent to refuse entry into their states of refugees fleeing Syria.

Amid of all these hatred a Canadian couple Samantha Jackson and Farzin Yousefian has decided to cancel their lavish wedding and go for civil ceremony in order to help a Syrian refugee family.

They also asked their guests to support a Syrian family as their wedding gifts. Family and friends also supported the couple’s decision.

The couple was planning their wedding but changed their mind when they saw a photo of Aylan Kurdi, a young refugee who died on the shores of Turkey and realised that their wedding would be an opportunity for fundraising. They hope to support at least four
Syrian families.

Mr Yousefian said. “We could not stop thinking about the difficult decisions that many Syrian families are forced to make. We immediately began redrawing our plans with the hope of helping a Syrian family start a new life in Toronto.” He added “Our decision is a reflection of the very values that Canadians hold so dear.”

The couple has raised C$22,750 so far toward their goal of $27,000, which is the amount needed to sponsor a Syrian family of four in the Toronto area.

“We are certain that our initiative will inspire others, just as the acts of others have inspired us. We are truly privileged to have had the opportunity to use our wedding for a greater cause than our own.”said Mr Yousefian .

Canada plans to release details on its pledge to take in 25,000 refugees from Syria by the end of the year next week.