B.C. woman tried to sponsor Syrian family members who drowned off Turkey

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The politician said he delivered a letter on behalf of Kurdi to Citizenship and Immigration Minister Chris Alexander in March but that the sponsorship request was not approved.

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Kurdi told the Ottawa Citizen that she received a telephone call Wednesday from a relative who in turn had received a call from Abdullah, confirming that his wife and two boys were dead.

“I was trying to sponsor them, and I have my friends and my neighbours who helped me with the bank deposits, but we couldn’t get them out, and that is why they went in the boat,” Kurdi told the Citizen. “I was even paying rent for them in Turkey, but it is horrible the way they treat Syrians there.”

They were among at least 12 migrants, including five children, who drowned Wednesday when two boats carrying them to the Greek island of Kos capsized.

Donnelly said Kurdi has not made any immediate plans but had mentioned a possible service locally.

“This tragic loss is just heart-wrenching to go through,” he said. “She was just completely upset and heartbroken.”

The route between Bodrum and Kos, just a few miles, is one of the shortest from Turkey to the Greek islands but remains dangerous. Hundreds of migrants a day attempt the perilous sea crossing despite the risks.

— With files from The Associated Press

The Canadian Press

©2015 The Canadian Press