Kjipuktuk / Halifax – On November 17th, a fire destroyed the family home of a Nova Scotia migrant worker and his family in Jamaica. A GoFundMe campaign is seeking to raise $20,000 in support of the family.
Maurice, who is using a pseudonym to protect his identity, has been coming to Nova Scotia as a migrant farm worker for almost a decade. When the season ended recently, he flew back to Jamaica to be with his wife and three kids. Not long after, tragedy struck the family.
“It was very gut wrenching to see everything I worked so hard for going up in flames. We were left with only the clothes on our backs. Everything burned… Now, I have to start all over, from scratch,” said Maurice.
“We’re calling on the community to help the family get back on their feet, in the spirit of mutual aid and solidarity,” reads an excerpt from the GoFundMe campaign.
The GoFundMe campaign seeks to raise funds for emergency costs such as rebuilding their home, short-term accomodations, furniture, clothes and food. So far, the GoFundMe campaign has garnered $2,000. An additional $1,000 in donations has also been received.
“I have a lot of gratitude because with these contributions, it gives me a sense of hope. I can buy some materials to rebuild a home for us and put a roof over our heads. I want to send a big thank you from my family to yours. Even though we have far to go, we appreciate every single donation we’ve received thus far. Every little amount helps,” said Maurice.
“Migrant workers are essential members of our community and essential workers. They put food on our tables and even Christmas trees in our homes. They risk their lives to come here to work and are separated from their families the majority of the year. This holiday season, let’s ensure that this migrant worker family who lost everything has a roof over their heads,” said Stacey Gomez, who is organizing the GoFundMe campaign.
Contributions in support of the family can be made through the GoFundMe Campaign here.
– 30 –
Media Contact:
Stacey Gomez
