Migrant Workers Family Support Fund to Deliver First Cheques to Hampstead Tragedy Survivors

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - May 7, 2012) -

Media alert: News and Assignment Editors Wednesday, May 9, 2012 - London, Ontario

On Wednesday, May 9, two survivors of a horrific collision near Hampstead, Ontario will become the first recipients from a nation-wide fund set up by UFCW Canada and the Agriculture Workers Alliance (AWA) to support and assist the families of the workers killed or injured in the two-vehicle crash on February 6.

In the wake of the accident, the Migrant Workers Family Support Fund has raised over $200,000 through the generosity of individuals and organizations across Canada. 100% of the monies collected is 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.

The first disbursements will take place on May 9, 2012, in London, Ontario to Javier Aldo Medina and Juan Jose Ariza. The two men are currently recovering from their injuries in a London, Ontario facility.

Medina and Ariza are two of the three survivors of the February 6 collision that claimed the lives of 10 migrant workers, as well as the life of an Ontario truck driver.

On behalf of the Migrant Workers Family Support Fund, UFCW Canada National President Wayne Hanley will present cheques to Javier Aldo Medina and Juan Jose Ariza at the Kensington Village Retirement/Nursing Home in London, Ontario.

WHEN:

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

11:00 a.m.

WHERE:

Kensington Village Retirement/Nursing Home

1340 Huron Street

London, Ontario N5V 3R3

BACKGROUND - The Migrant Workers Family Support Fund is a special assistance fund set up by UFCW Canada, Canada's largest private-sector union, 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.

To date, the Migrant Worker Family Support Fund has surpassed the $200,000 mark thanks in part to generous donations from individuals, community organizations and labour allies, as well as donations received 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.