Flory Bahadi Bagaya is living in Canada after escaping the horrors of war in the Congo.

Both parents were killed before his eyes during the war ten in 1997. Bagaya was 15 at the time.

"Since that moment I've been running, looking for somewhere to find peace," Bagaya says, adding he spent many years living in the jungle before travelling to Uganda as a refugee in 2007, where he was eventually allowed to immigrate to Canada.

"Life was very difficult, it was not easy for me... I thank God because today I'm in Canada," he says.

Living in Winkler with his wife and infant daughter, Bagaya now dreams of having his brother and his family join him.

A number of local residents have come together to help the Bagaya family through the sponsorship process.

Kara Wieler has been involved with previous Syrian sponsorships and began the process with Bagaya in January 2016.

She notes the process could take upwards of five years.

"That's how these things go, Flory waited seven years to get to Canada so he understands the wait and has been really patient."

Working with the MCC, Wieler explains they hope to bring Bagaya's brother and five children as soon as possible.

"We pray it won't be the full five years and they come sooner," she says, especially so Bagaya's nephews and niece can receive a better education and more access to healthcare.

"I thank Kara, she is running night and day to help my family," Bagaya says.

Currently, the sponsorship group at the Grace Church in Winkler is fundraising towards the goal of one year of expenses for the family, an estimated $46,000.

Nearing their goal, the group is hosting A Taste Of Africa fundraiser meal June 3 at Grace Church in Winkler. To reserve your seat call 204-362-8044.

Flory and his wife Aline hope to see Flory's brother join them in Canada. Until recently his brother and sister-in-law, together with their children were living in a refugee camp. There are now living in Uganda but hope to reunite in Winkler.