Kurdi family set to arrive at YVR

Images of his lifeless body, face-down in the sand, sparked outcry and led millions around the world to demand countries provide a safe haven for refugees fleeing violence, such as that generated by the four-year Syrian civil war.

Alan Kurdi’s uncle Mohammed Kurdi, his wife and five children landed in Vancouver where they had an emotional reunion with Alan’s aunt Tima.

Mohammed Kurdi, his wife and their five children have come to Canada as refugees, sponsored by his sister Tima Kurdi, who has become a spokeswoman for people fleeing the war-torn nation.

He died with his mother and five-year-old brother who, like so many Syrian refugees before and since, were driven by desperation to attempt the unsafe boat crossing to Greece.

But for owner Tima Kurdi, the aunt of a toddler whose horrific death beamed a spotlight on a refugee crisis and forever altered the lives of countless Syrian migrants, this space represents her extended family’s future. “I did not see that light yet, but it doesn’t mean it’s the end… keep walking until you find your light”.

“It still has not hit me yet, the excitement”, says Kurdi about her relatives’ pending arrival.

Kurdi’s other brother, Abdullah, was not so lucky.

“Thank you to the Canadian people”, Ms Kurdi said.

Tima, who lives in British Columbia, has sponsored the family’s relocation to Canada.

“I’m happy! Very happy!” he said.

A teary Tima expressed her thanks to the Canadian government and translated her brother Mohammad’s gratitude.

That rejection – after three frustrating months trying to acquire all the necessary documents – discouraged Tima from filing an application to bring Alan’s father Abdullah, prompting him instead to risk a perilous sea voyage to try to reach safety in Europe. “We nearly lost hope but thank you to the Canadian government and Canadian people”.

Among the supporters at the airport was Fin Donnelly, MP for Port Moody-Coquitlam, who Tima Kurdi turned to for help in March, desperate to help her family get to Canada.

The horrific image of three-year-old Alan’s death became an iconic symbol of the plight of Syrian refugees and a major issue in the federal election. “We made it nice and comfy”, she said.

The government, which came to power in early November, said that 10,000 of the refugees would arrive by the end of the year. Tima Kurdi (middle), holds her nephew Sherwan Kurdi as she welcomes her brother Mohammed Kurdi (not shown), and his family at Vancouver International airport in Vancouver. “But you’re always here”, she said, placing her hand over her heart.