By Leila Canon-Ahern
Arrived at the apartment at 2:30 to pick the Syrian family up for our appointment with CIBC to set up their bank accounts. Caroline Pandeli and Alison Norman were already there helping to coordinate Internet set-up and some immigration paperwork. We had some tea and chatted before setting off for the bank. Marilisa Corseau in tow, who had organized a translator for us. CIBC was amazing - they have a special account for newcomers and they were so patient with explaining everything. A very slow process via translator. It took extra explanation because they have never used credit cards, ATMs, online banking or email before. But they are so eager to learn everything - they're constantly asking questions and taking notes. One of the first questions that the dad asked was "how soon can I work" and he asked the translator to make it clear that Syrians are "born to work" and he wants to start right away. I explained that English classes are the priority right now and work in due time. Marilisa took their little boy next door to Toys R Us and let him choose a toy - he was wide-eyed at the options, but chose some foam Lego and a ball. She brought him back to the bank where he sat very patiently for the rest of our appointment. Things got a little rowdy when he started kicking the ball around and our Guyanese banker started playing an impromptu game of soccer with him, while his mom and dad learned how to use the ATM! Then back to their apartment for some more tea and visiting. Amazing how much we are able to communicate already! They are learning so fast. Another great day in Canada!
Arrived at the apartment at 2:30 to pick the Syrian family up for our appointment with CIBC to set up their bank accounts. Caroline Pandeli and Alison Norman were already there helping to coordinate Internet set-up and some immigration paperwork. We had some tea and chatted before setting off for the bank. Marilisa Corseau in tow, who had organized a translator for us. CIBC was amazing - they have a special account for newcomers and they were so patient with explaining everything. A very slow process via translator. It took extra explanation because they have never used credit cards, ATMs, online banking or email before. But they are so eager to learn everything - they're constantly asking questions and taking notes. One of the first questions that the dad asked was "how soon can I work" and he asked the translator to make it clear that Syrians are "born to work" and he wants to start right away. I explained that English classes are the priority right now and work in due time. Marilisa took their little boy next door to Toys R Us and let him choose a toy - he was wide-eyed at the options, but chose some foam Lego and a ball. She brought him back to the bank where he sat very patiently for the rest of our appointment. Things got a little rowdy when he started kicking the ball around and our Guyanese banker started playing an impromptu game of soccer with him, while his mom and dad learned how to use the ATM! Then back to their apartment for some more tea and visiting. Amazing how much we are able to communicate already! They are learning so fast. Another great day in Canada!