A family of refugees from Sudan celebrated a peaceful Christmas in Newfoundland, thanks to the perseverance of a relative and the generosity of a St. John's church.

Adut Tong Kom and her five children arrived in St. John's a few weeks ago after being sponsored by the Roman Catholic Basilica, at a cost of about $100,000. The church paid for their flights from Africa and will support them financially for two years to help them settle in St. John's.

'It's really quite moving, really, as to how everybody comes to the aid of this family.' — Frank Fowler

Frank Fowler, a member of the church's refugee committee, said parishioners have been helping the family get to know the city and have bought them presents and clothes.

"We haven't had a problem with getting money or clothing or food," he said. "Now, of course, we're into Christmas season and it's really quite moving, really, as to how everybody comes to the aid of this family."

The family has had a long and difficult journey to Canada, one that began nearly five years ago.

When Adut Tong Kom's husband was killed in the war-torn north African country in 2002, his brother Liai helped the family escape to nearby Uganda.

Liai had come to Newfoundland as a refugee in 2001, but returned to Sudan to help get the family to a refugee camp in Uganda.

He then returned to Canada and spent the following years years trying to bring them over as well.

Liai, a member of the church, is grateful it agreed to sponsor the young family. There are four boys — Liai, 3, Akec, 6, Tong, 8, and Kom, 16 — and one girl — Adut, 12.

"I'm really happy to see them with me," he said. "They are doing well. They are happy."