Chef for the evening, Ghaydaa Kassan Aboud, prepared Babbaganoush, stuffed grape leaves, Basmati rice with peas and minced beef, Kibbeh, Basbousa and Syrian Baklava with walnuts for the traditional Syrian meal at Port Elgin United Church November 13.

Hub Staff

Babbaganoush, Kibbeh and stuffed grape leaves were just a sample of items on the menu that chef for the evening Ghaydaa Kassan Aboud served to over 100 guests at her family’s authentic Syrian dinner held at Port Elgin United Church, November 13.

Ghaydaa, along with her husband Saad and the older AlIbrahim children, who helped by plating and serving, provided the delicious Mediterranean style meal for all those who had purchased tickets in support of the newcomers who have made Saugeen Shores their home over the past ten months. Ghaydaa would like to use money from the proceeds to launch a small food business as she says she has received a lot of community interest.

The family of 14, who once lived in Aleppo, Syria, are now thriving in Saugeen Shores and, with the help of many dedicated volunteers, have been able to attend ESL (English as a Second Language) courses in Owen Sound and have come together at community events. Saad, a former stone mason, now has full-time employment and their children, ages 1 through 19, have been involved in various extra-curricular activities like Summer Music camp and soccer; with one child taking an interest in Lifesaving.

Volunteer Penny Inkster has become great friends with Ghaydaa and her family and helped out where she could with the dinner.

Inkster said the evening is a casual affair and that the tickets sold out “so fast” after they advertised on their webpage and Facebook.

“She (Ghaydaa) is used to feeding 14 people twice a day,” said Inkster. She went on to say that knowing how many people would be coming ahead of time allowed her to prepare. Inkster was happy to see the Allbrahim family members helping their mother out throughout the day.

“She's done all that with the help of her family, it’s just been grand.” Inkster was happy to teach the Allbrahim men how to place a table setting, with placemats and cutlery, as the Syrian custom is a single soup spoon and fork.

“When I think of all the things they’ve had to learn since they got here, it mind-boggling. A different alphabet and different climate, a different everything, it’s just amazing,” said Inkster.

Inkster said the Saugeen Shores Refugee Fund has applied to welcome another Syrian family to Saugeen Shores. “I’m sure the community’s hearts will be just as full.” She went on to say that when she looks into the Allbrahim children’s eyes, it pulls at her heartstrings and says she is so glad that they're no longer in Aleppo. The war-torn Syrian city is currently under a mass evacuation order as strategically planned assaults using high-precision weapons will take place against rebel groups.

Miriam Allbrahim helped out at the “kids table” and served her youngest sibling Zeina, who recently turned one.

Over 100 people purchased tickets for the traditional Syrian meal.

Ghaydaa’s sons were happy to help by plating and serving the meal.

Babbabahoush, Basbousa and Syrian Baklava was just some of what was on offer at the traditional Syrian meal at Port Elgin United Church November 13.