Migrant Workers Family Support Fund Delivers Cheque to Third Survivor of Hampstead Tragedy
Hamilton, ON – June 22, 2012 - The third survivor of the horrific collision near Hampstead, Ontario on February 6, has received his own share from the Migrant Workers Family Support Fund.
Peruvian migrant worker Edgar Sulla Puma, one of the three survivors of the accident who has now awoken from a coma after four months since the day of the accident, was on hand to receive his share of the fund. UFCW General Counsel and Director of Human Rights Naveen Mehta presented the cheque to Puma who was assisted by his sister Matilde and brother-in-law John Edwards during the presentation. Puma is currently rehabilitating in a Hamilton hospital.
In the wake of the accident, the Migrant Workers Family Support Fund has raised over $210,000 through the generosity of individuals and organizations across Canada. 100% of the monies collected are to be distributed in 14 equal portions to the individuals or families of the 14 workers who were killed or injured in the Hampstead tragedy.
To date, four cheques have already been issued to the survivors and families of the victims. The first disbursements took place on May 9, in London, Ontario to Javier Alba Medina and Juan Jose Ariza. Medina and Ariza are two of the three survivors of the accident. UFCW Canada National President Wayne Hanley personally presented the cheques to Medina and Ariza. The two men are currently recovering from their injuries in a London, Ontario facility. The second disbursement happened on May 31, at Teresa Fulton’s home. Teresa is the widow of Christopher Fulton, the Ontario driver of one of the vehicles in the collision. The third disbursement was presented in Kitchener on June 8, at Carolina Enamorado’s house in Kitchener. Carolina is the widow of Nicaraguan worker Juan Castillo who was killed with nine other Peruvian migrant workers.
The Migrant Workers Family Support Fund is a special assistance fund setup by UFCW Canada and the Agriculture Workers Alliance (AWA) to assist the families of the workers killed or injured on February 6, when a van transporting 13 migrant agriculture workers collided with a truck near Hampstead, Ontario.
The Migrant Worker Family Support Fund has now surpassed the $210,000 mark thanks in part to generous donations from individuals, community organizations and labour allies, as well as donations made at events organized by community leaders and organizations. 100% of the monies collected will be distributed in 14 equal portions to the individuals or families of the 14 workers who were killed or injured.